THD NewsDesk, New Delhi: With the hue and cry of Remdesevir crisis in the country, a drug being widely used for the immediate treatment of Covid it’s important to note the limitation advised by doctors. Like all other drugs, it has side effects too and should not be used as an exclusive treatment against Covid.
Dr Naresh Gupta, director-professor of Delhi’s Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) said
“This is not a drug specifically meant for coronavirus. It is a drug against virus and can be used against coronavirus too. In a study published by the World Health Organization, it has been claimed that Remdesivir will have no impact on a patient under ventilation. What may happen is that your stay in the hospital becomes shortened. That too is the finding of only one study.”
Covid-19 patients are panicking and stocking Remdesivir thinking that they may need it later and at that time they may not get it. But this is wrong as stocking Remdesivir when there is no actual need will deprive someone who may actually need it, the MAMC director said.
In its latest clinical guidance for Covid-19 treatment, the Centre has issued specific guidelines about the medicinal procurements. It added that Remdesivir is only for patients who are on supplemental oxygen support in the hospital.
The Centre is ramping up the production of Remdesivir and till April 30, all states and Union Territories will be given some interim allocation. From May onwards, India will be producing 74 lakh units of Remdesivir injections, while the present supply is 38.80 lakh units.
Niti Aayog member (health) VK Paul said,
“Remdesivir is only for emergency use. It is not under standard therapy. Only doctors should administer this injection in hospitals.”
AIIMS director Randeep Guleria has also posited a fair warning against the misuse of the drug if not needed,
“Remdesivir should only be given who are hospitalised, have low oxygen saturation and have infiltrates on the chest X-ray or CT-scan.”
Source: Hindustan Times