CUT IT OUT: Alberta College of Pharmacy 'very concerned' about pharmacists spreading misinformation on ivermectin and COVID-19

The Alberta College of Pharmacy put out a joint statement last week with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta reminding their respective professional cohorts that Health Canada has advised ivermectin is not authorized to prevent or treat COVID-19. “CPSA and ACP are very concerned about a small number of physicians and pharmacists who are spreading misinformation related to the appropriateness of ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19,” the statement read. “There is no evidence that prescribing and dispensing ivermectin is beneficial but there is certainly significant risk of patient harm when ivermectin is used in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. CPSA and ACP do not believe these behaviours align with a physician’s or pharmacist’s professional responsibility to their patients.” Read: Ivermectin—whether formulated for humans or horses—is not a treatment for COVID-19 The ACP iterated that its expects pharmacists to conduct their practices within the Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians. It highlighted to relevant standards: Standard 6.1, which requires pharmacists to consider, before dispensing, whether the indication “is approved by Health Canada, considered best practice or accepted clinical practice in peer-reviewed literature or is part of an approved research protocol. Standard 11.6, which says: “A pharmacist who prescribes a medication must not prescribe a drug or blood product unless the intended use is an indication approved by Health Canada, is considered a best practice or accepted clinical practice in peer-reviewed clinical literature, or is part of an approved research protocol.” “In considering these standards and how they relate to the use of ivermectin for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, CPSA and ACP have directed all physicians and pharmacy professionals to adhere to the Health Canada advisory about ivermectin. Ivermectin must not be prescribed or dispensed, in any form, for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19,” the statement read. Read: Ivermectin: efficacy and safety data lacking for COVID-19 prevention or treatment

CUT IT OUT: Alberta College of Pharmacy 'very concerned' about pharmacists spreading misinformation on ivermectin and COVID-19

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