Students of the University of WhatsApp have found a ‘cure’: The Phoney Solution
Posted 24 Jun 2020 | Source: bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
Even before Baba Ramdev unveiled Coronil, some had decided that experimental meds were the solution to Corona. But city doctors advise abundant caution
Like always, WhatsApp Univeristy has glossed over the fine print and declared that a definitive cure for C has been found and we can all throw our masks in the air and rejoice.NOT.
The recent forwards have started following news reports that Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd’s has launched the antiviral Favipiravir called FabiFlu, to treat mild to moderate symptoms of Covid.
However, neither the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare nor the doctors have said that individuals can buy it like cough drops over the counter. It is a prescription drug and has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for restricted emergency use only.
City doctors say that we should receive such information with cautious enthusiasm because many of the drugs are still at the trialing stage. Even the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) will put FabiFlu on a study trial in the coming days.
“There is an urgent need for new medicines to treat Covid and vaccines to prevent it.
But studies so far are mostly small and lack real control groups, making it hard for esearchers to be sure of their conclusions,” said Dr US Vishal Rao, regional director of head and neck surgical oncology and robotic surgery, HCG Cancer Centre.
Demand vs Supply
Doctors say for almost any treatment or preventative,supply could be an issue if large numbers of people need it. “Hence, the Covid-related trial drugs should be carefully monitored by the Ministry of Health and used only with its recommendation,” said Rao.
Dr Satyanarayana Mysore,HOD of Pulmonology at Manipal Hospitals said,Favipiravir was developed in Japan as an anti-flu medication. Clinical trials have been done in the USA, Japan, Canada,France etc. Roughly 18 global controlled trials have been done.
About 150 patients have been trialled on this drug. The results thus far: 55 to 60 per cent of patients have shown faster clinical recovery and faster viral clearance in mild to moderate cases.DCGI has mandated restricted use.Informed consent is needed. This drug may not be suited for patients with severe liver and renal diseases.Citizens should not attempt to hoard this medication.It is approved for conducting clinical trials and 150 patients have been trialled in India.”
Dr Jagadeesh Kumar P, Consultant Pulmonologist,Apollo Hospitals said,The public should understand that since this is the first time that this disease has affected humans, there will be lots of medicines and trials and not everything will work. These medical updates are not for the public and they shouldn’t be thinking too much about these messages.”
All that ordinary citizens need to do is continue with safety measures.“We cannot get complacent assuming that investigational drugs are now in the market. It’s important to continue with hand hygiene,use of masks, cough etiquette and physical distancing.The drugs have innumerable side effects.There are strict criteria about their use and they cannot be consumed by the public without doctor’s supervision,” said, Dr Swati Rajagopal, Consultant - Infectious Disease & Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital.
