Australia’s chief medical officer issues warning about unsafe and unproven drug

Australia’s chief medical officer has warned against taking unproven drugs which are being sought for treatment for COVID-19, despite not being approved for that use.

Professor Paul Kelly says “not a single trial” on ivermectin, a drug used to treat river blindness, scabies and roundworm, has shown it to be effective in treating COVID-19.

“Absolutely and categorically, please do not take unproven medicines,” he said.

“It is ineffective and not safe.”

A COVID-positive person presented in a NSW hospital yesterday after taking the drug.

“There was an unfortunate case of someone who did do that and overdosed on this particular drug and has been admitted to hospital,” Professor Kelly said.

Press PLAY below to hear Professor Kelly’s warning

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