Without a certain COVID-19 cure, the Philippines tries these drugs to treat patients

MANILA – Nearly four months after the COVID-19 virus was first identified in China, the world has yet to discover a cure or vaccine.

The World Health Organization said it will take at least a year to develop and distribute a vaccine.

Meanwhile, medical experts have been using off-label medications to treat serious and critical cases of COVID-19. Unlabelled drugs are drugs developed to treat other diseases, but some evidence of effectiveness against the new coronavirus is believed or has been shown.

Some of these drugs have been included in the WHO Solidarity Trial, a clinical trial from several countries looking for a COVID-19 cure. The Philippines is among the more than 200 participating countries.

Below is the list of experimental medications used for physicians in the Philippines and in other countries:

1. CHLOROQUINE AND HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE

Synthesized in 1934, chloroquine became an important antimalarial drug after World War II.

The WHO included the two closely related drugs in its Solidarity Trial after small studies in China and France showed “the possible benefit of chloroquine phosphate against pneumonia caused by COVID-19”.

However, there has been a lot of negative news about the drug, as it has been linked to various side effects, including heart rhythm problems.

Countries like the United States and Canada have also issued warnings against its use without medical supervision.

Both are reportedly used in Philippine hospitals, but are closely watched by doctors.

2. REMDESIVIR

Remdesivir is an antiviral medicine given intravenously. It was originally made to treat the deadly Ebola virus. By including it in the Solidarity Trial, the WHO cited promising animal studies using remdesivir for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), two other strains of coronavirus.

The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. USA He said that his trial involving 1,000 people showed that patients recovered faster using remdesivir.

However, the drug has had mixed results, as a smaller study showed that it failed to cure patients with COVID-19.

3. LOPINAVIR / RITONAVIR

The combination of lopinavir and ritonavir is a licensed treatment for HIV. Like remdesivir, they have shown positive effects in patients with MERS and SARS.

Anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness against COVID-19 was recorded in Thailand.

“While there are indications from laboratory experiments that this combination may be effective against COVID-19, studies to date in patients with COVID-19 have been inconclusive,” the WHO said, explaining the need for more studies. through the Solidarity Trial.

Although recent studies showed no effect in seriously ill patients.

Lopinavir and ritonavir are on the WHO essential drug list, although some side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.

4. INTERFERON BETA

Interferon beta-1a is an injectable medication that is used to treat multiple sclerosis, a disease that severely affects the brain and spinal cord or central nervous system.

According to the solidarity trial, interferon beta is administered with the combination of lopinavir and ritonavir.

A study recently published in Hong Kong showed that patients treated with the closely related interferon beta-1b, lopinavir / ritonavir plus the drug ribavirin, which is used to treat hepatitis, were able to recover more quickly from COVID-19 disease.

The researchers also said that the trio combination of drugs can reduce the amount of viral shedding or when the virus is detectable and potentially transmissible.

Some patients did not initially receive interferon beta-1b due to possible inflammation. However, the study showed that groups that did not take interferon took longer to clear the virus, suggesting that interferon may be crucial in shortening the course of the disease.

5. FAVIPIRAVIR

The Philippines recently announced that it will conduct clinical trials with the flu drug favipiravir, sold under the brand name Avigan.

Japan has promised to provide supplies to the Philippines and 40 other countries seeking COVID-19 treatment.

China has said it will include Avigan on its official list of drugs used to treat patients with COVID-19 after clinical trials in Japan showed “encouraging results.”

However, it is believed to be dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects.

6. TOCILIZUMAB

The immunosuppressive drug Tocilizumab, which has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is included in the Philippine Society for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology (PSMID) guidelines for hospital care of patients with COVID-19.

The drug, also known by the brand name Actemra, is believed to help treat inflammation in patients with coronavirus disease or in those with severe immune system reactions called cytokine storms.

Swiss pharmacist Roche hopes to end its clinical trials with Actemra in May or June.

7. FAMOTIDINE

According to reports, a study that has not yet been peer-reviewed shows the effectiveness of the heartburn drug famotidine against COVID-19.

Famotidine is an active ingredient in the treatment of Pepcid ear burn. The study found that those who took the drug had decreased risk of dying or being intubated. However, the researchers said it is not yet clear why and that the findings “should not be interpreted as meaning that famotidine improves outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.”

OTHER DRUGS

Other off-label medications being studied are Sarilumab or Kevzara, which was developed for rheumatoid arthritis; Azithromycin, which has been used to treat various bacterial infections such as strep throat and pneumonia; Umifenovir or Arbidol, an antiviral treatment for the flu; Ciclesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid for asthma; Colchicine, a medicine used to treat gout and believed to help people with mild symptoms; Dipyridamole, a medicine that inhibits the formation of blood clots; and even Sildenafil or Viagra, which has been used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.