DEXAMETHASONE, a commonly available drug that is dubbed as the “biggest breakthrough" in treating the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), is still not being prescribed in treating Covid-19 cases at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), an official of the hospital said.
According to an Associated Press report, researchers from the United Kingdom claimed that dexamethasone has reduced deaths by 35 percent in patients who needed treatment with breathing machines and by 20 percent in those only needing supplemental oxygen.
Dexamethasone is a steroid drug and is prescribed by a licensed physician based on the patient’s medical condition.
However, SPMC medical professional staff chief Dr. Ricardo Audan said in a virtual presser on Thursday afternoon, June 18, that the drug is still under clinical study.
He also said the drug is not included in those being administered in the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Worldwide Solidarity Trial, wherein SPMC is among the hospitals participating.
The Solidarity Trial is a trial of different medications to be tested on random Covid-19 patients to find the most effective cure.
Audan said SPMC has listed six patients to participate in the trial.
Among the drugs to be administered in the Solidarity Trial are Remdesivir, which is used to fight Ebola virus; Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine, a medication for malaria; and the Lopinavir with Ritonavir, and Lopinavir with Ritonavir plus Interferon beta-1a, which are administered for people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
But according to the latest report from WHO, Audan said hydroxychloroquine is now being dropped from its massive study for the treatment of Covid-19 after available data indicated that the drug is not effective for treating the dreadful virus.
"For now, we're just waiting for the official communication from WHO to stop randomizing [its usage] because according to them, the said drug has a side effect to the heart," Audan said in a One Davao on Covid-19 virtual presser.
Meanwhile, the medical official revealed that Covid-19 patients are given Vitamin C as part of their medication during their admission.
"Vitamin C can help prevent further infection and untoward health scenarios," Audan said, adding that they also prescribe zinc intake.
Although he clarified, both medicines will not give total Covid-19 cure as they are only meant to strengthen the patients’ immune system.
FDA warns use of Dexamethasone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in a Facebook post on June 19, reminded the public that dexamethasone is a prescription drug and should strictly be used under the supervision of a licensed physician.
"There are Dexamethasone products that are currently registered with the FDA. The drug should be only dispensed by licensed establishments to patients with valid prescription," FDA said in a statement.
While the agency said some products are registered, they, however, warned that some dexamethasone brands are unregistered.
The FDA also said selling of the drug without a valid prescription or through online platforms is strictly prohibited.
Misuse or unsupervised chronic use of dexamethasone, according to FDA, may lead to serious adverse reactions such as: immunosuppression or impairment of the body’s ability to fight infections; gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers; electrolyte imbalance; osteoporosis; muscle weakness; poor wound healing; prolonged use of the drug may cause suppression of growth among infants and children; and obesity.
If stopped abruptly, the agency said it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as hypotension, shock, and coma.
FDA urged the public to report the dispense and/or use of the drug without a valid prescription to FDA Center for Drug Regulation and Research at cdrr.od@fda.gov.ph.