Alberta's colleges of physicians and pharmacists voice concerns over ivermectin prescriptions
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and the Alberta College of Pharmacy say they are greatly concerned with reports ivermectin has been dispensed as a preventative treatment for COVID-19 in the province.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, the two governing agencies said "a small number of physicians and pharmacists" are "spreading misinformation related to the appropriateness of ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19."
"There is no evidence that prescribing and dispensing ivermectin is beneficial but there is certainly significant risk of patient harm when ivermectin is used," said the CPSA and ACP in their release. "(We) do not believe these behaviours align with a physician's or pharmacist's professional responsibility to their patients."
According to the CPSA, at least seven doctors in the province have been contacted over the alleged spreading of misinformation regarding the drug. There are other reports of Alberta doctors who have kowtowed to patients who have demanded an exemption letter, without legitimate medical reasons, to avoid having to get vaccinated or face mask use.
Health Canada stated in late August that neither the human or veterinary versions of the drug should be used by Canadians as a COVID-19 treatment. The human version of ivermectin is only authorized for sale in Canada as a treatment for parasitic worm infection.
Feedlot stores in the Calgary area were inundated with requests for the equine version of the drug this summer from people who wrongly believed it could be their saving grace against the virus. Veterinary ivermectin is only sold to verified customers who have an identification number provided by the province through its premises identification program.
The CPSA and ACP encourage Albertans to get vaccinated as it remains the best option to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.