All you need to know about the available COVID-19 treatments
The surge in the number of COVID-19 cases has raised concerns around the world. Officials have not only ramped up vaccination programmes, but all measures are being taken to curb the spread.
Amid Omicron scare, while experts have signaled towards a possible third wave, the availability of coronavirus vaccines make a huge difference in our fight against the COVID-19. But unfortunately, there is no exact cure for the same. For now, medical experts have been repurposing drugs and therapies to ease some of the symptoms associated with the disease.
During the first two COVID waves, a lot of experimental drugs came to the forefront, which although helped patients cope with their symptoms, also introduced them to many other complications. Out of the many, some treatments have been discontinued, while many others have come to light. That said, let us take a look at the list of drugs and therapies available to treat COVID-19 patients.
Drugs used to treat coronavirus patients
Initially, not much was known about the coronavirus. Doctors and medical professionals prioritized treating their patients first over considering long term health complications.
While drugs like Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine and anti-HIV drug combination, Lopinavir/Ritonavir gained much momentum during the initial wave of coronavirus, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) ordered the discontinuation of these treatments and crossed it out of it's treatment protocol.
The government panel has however retained Remdesivir and Tocilizumab in its treatment protocol for patients with moderate to severe illness. The former works towards inhibiting the multiplication of the virus, whereas the latter is a monoclonal antibody that puts a stop to a possible cytokine storm.
The role of steroids
Severe coronavirus infection can cause prolonged and systemic inflammatory response in the body. Steroids are medications that can help reduce the inflammation caused by SARs-COV-2 virus. While in no way do steroids help in curing the disease, it provides some amount of relief from the symptoms triggered by the inflammation occurring in the body.
During the second wave, when the entire nation was under the grasp of the virus, steroid use became a popular means of treatment in severe COVID-19 patients. Several randomized trials suggested that systemic corticosteroid therapy improves clinical outcomes and reduces mortality in hospitalized COVID patients who require oxygen therapy, it was noted that misuse of steroids could lead to other complications such as black fungus (mucormycosis) infection.
That said, experts believe that the timing, dosage and the duration play an important role in determining effectiveness. Earlier, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria had also warned against giving steroids too early in the process.
Read also: COVID-19 treatment: What are the do's and don'ts of using steroids?
Oral antiviral COVID-19 pill
Like any other antiviral drug, COVID pill works towards neutralising the virus's ability to replicate. While vaccines block viral entry into the body, antiviral pills stop these viruses from causing more damage post-infection.
Recently, Molnupiravir, an oral antiviral pill developed by pharma giant Merck, was approved by Central Drugs and Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for “restricted emergency use” in patients whose oxygen levels are at 93 percent with high risk of disease progression.
On Monday, the oral drug was launched in India at Rs 1,399 for a five-day course for mild to moderate infection. Dr Reddy`s, Natco, Mylan, and Hetero are in the process to manufacturing the oral pill.
While the antiviral pill has been approved by the drug regulators, Dr Balram Bhargava, Director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research has expressed safety concerns over the indiscriminate use of the drug, suggesting that it can cause mutagenicity, muscle and bone damage.
In the US and the UK, Plaxovid is another oral antiviral pill developed by Pfizer.
Monoclonal antibody treatments
Monoclonal antibodies are clones of an antibody that targets one specific antigen. They are artificially created in the laboratory and bind to the spike protein of the SARs-COV-2 virus, blocking the entry to the healthy cells and protecting the body from the same.
For now, India has approved two monoclonal antibody treatments for emergency use, which are Casirivimab and Imdevimab, developed by Roche and Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab, developed by Eli Lilly. These treatments are expensive and can cost around Rs 50,000 per dose.
These are said to be most effective if administered in two doses and in mild COVID-19 patients.
Remember, prevention is better than cure
As aware as you should be about all possible COVID-19 treatments, it is important to remember that prevention is always better than cure.
Wear your masks religiously and do not visit crowded areas. Maintain distance and follow COVID-appropriate behavior. Get yourselves vaccinated and boosted.