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
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
U.S. FAA launches investigation into unauthorized personnel in cockpit of Colorado Rockies flight to Toronto
The U.S.’s Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a video that appears to show unauthorized personnel in the cockpit of a charted Colorado Rockies flight to Toronto.