There are local websites that frequently post unverified and potentially misleading information on COVID-19 and vaccines.

One such website – The Truth Warriors – has been publishing studies that claim that the drug Ivermectin is safe and effective in treating COVID-19, and that other countries have been using it for early treatment of COVID-19 with high success rates.

Here are the facts:

Fact #1: Ivermectin is not effective against COVID-19

In Singapore, Ivermectin is a prescription-only medicine registered specifically for the treatment of parasitic worm infections. It is not an anti-viral medicine and is not approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for preventing or treating COVID-19. To date, there is no scientific evidence from credible clinical trials that Ivermectin is effective against COVID-19.

Fact #2: Self-medicating with Ivermectin can be dangerous to your health

There have been reports of patients requiring hospitalisation after self-medicating with Ivermectin. Side-effects of Ivermectin include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Neurologic adverse events (dizziness, seizures, confusion)
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Severe skin rash potentially requiring hospitalisation
• Liver injury (hepatitis)
• Potential to interact with other medications used such as blood-thinners

Do not self-medicate with Ivermectin. Consult your doctor if you require treatment of COVID-19.

Fact #3: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and efficacious '

COVID-19 vaccines that are approved for use in Singapore have been assessed to be safe and efficacious by both the HSA and the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination. These vaccines must also comply with the World Health Organization’s guidelines.