Panama internists knock touted virus treatments

The Panamanian Society of Internal Medicine has again expressed its concern about the promotion and dissemination of treatments like some of those touted by US President  Donald Trump to combat the Covid-19 virus and that it is incorrect to claim that it has an impact on the mortality of patients, especially without scientific support.

In a statement to the public on  Thursday. September 17 the union of internists warns that they see with concern that interventions such as hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, chlorine dioxide or vitamin supplements as treatments for Covid-19 become widespread.

It added that these interventions have not been shown to modify the evolution of the infection and that it is incorrect to state that they have an impact on the mortality of patients. They emphasize that assertions of this kind are not supported by scientific evidence.

“As internists, we want there to be an effective treatment for Covid-19, but these therapies must be tested in comparative clinical studies that can show that they are effective and safe before being able to recommend them to citizens,” the statement highlighted.

The internists reiterate that the only safe measure to change the course of the crisis is to comply with preventive measures such as social distancing, use of masks, hand washing and use of face shield s, among other actions.