Ivermectin, a Nobel Prize-winning discovery, has turned into a black market drug as demand grows.
But illicit trade expert Telita Snyckers warned counterfeits are rife which could result in death.
“The fear is that opportunists could swoop in with fakes to make quick money not caring about who it hurts and this is something we’re already seeing around the world.”
She said there were parallels between the current demand for the antiparasitic drug and the demands for alcohol and tobacco during their respective bans.
Speaking to Pretoria News, she said: “There is the whole supply and demand aspect, and issues around products being diverted from legal supply chains because supply chain controls are weak which means as long as there is a demand, people will make sure there is a supply regardless of legality.”
She said authorities should make more effort to warn the public about the dangers of using black market medications: “The threat of counterfeits are rife and they kill. The average consumer would find it difficult to tell fakes.”
Japanese microbiologist Satoshi Omura discovered Ivermectin in 1975 and along with William Campbell jointly won the 2015 Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine.
The drug is used to treat parasites in animals but as more health professionals, lobby groups and personal testimonials flood social media endorsing its use against Covid-19, the demand has spiked despite it being illegal.
However, the SA Health Products Authority (Sahpra) maintains more conclusive evidence would be required to approve its use to treat Covid-19 patients.
According to a source who spoke to Pretoria News, the price fluctuated per tablet on how much stock a dealer had, but the price was climbing into the thousands.
“One offered it for R150 per tablet while others asked for more than R1 000, but the prices continue to increase and people are willing to pay.
“They are scared and we have no vaccine so they believe the drug will give them a fighting chance. Some people use it as a preventative measure.”