The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has again urged against the use of ivermectin.

The authority says its stance was aligned to that of the US FDA, that ivermectin did not have proven antiviral properties for Covid-19 treatment.

The FDA said it was aware of reports that some people were self-medicating with the drug and even using the animal formulation.

SAHPRA earlier warned that using the drug without it having gone through scientific testing and protocols could impact people’s health and lead to death.

CEO Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela says SAHPRA is also monitoring the illegal sale of so-called ivermectin by unscrupulous individuals.

The public should not buy any drug online or from unauthorised dealers.