Low cost drug to be used in treatment of patients seriously ill with COVID-19

                                   

Dexamethasone has been identified as a drug that can be used in treatment of patients seriously ill with COVID-19. This findings is based on the trial conducted in the UK by the Oxford  University.

Dexamethasone is a steroid - a medicine that reduces inflammation by mimicking anti-inflammatory hormones produced by the body.  It is only suitable for severe cases in hospital and receiving oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The medication should not be used by people with mild symptoms. Based on the research carried out one in three deaths cases of patients on ventilators could be prevented.

Dexamethasone is widely available in the UK and can be found in almost all pharmacies and hospital. It cost about £5.40.The Department of Health and Social Care says the drug has also been added to the government's parallel export list, which bans companies from buying medicines meant for UK patients and selling them on for a higher price in another country.

Common side effects of dexamethasone used for other conditions include anxiety, difficulty sleeping, weight gain and fluid retention.

Rarer side effects include eye disorders, blurred vision and haemorrhage.

However, coronavirus patients only need a relatively low dose which should limit side effects.

The Chief Medical Officer for England said there were "no excess harms identified in using this dose of dexamethasone in this patient population".