As world leaders are invested in finding a vaccine for the coronavirus that has shaken the world to its core, more and more people have expressed hope for the vaccine to come in soon. However, recent developments have set in hope for the world with the introduction of Dexamethasone.
Following the announcement by the World Health Organisation (WHO), a clinically tested drug, Dexamethasone, has proven effective in the fight against coronavirus for those who are critically ill. They also shared a little insight on the nature, effect, and cost of the drug.
“A major breakthrough”
Scientists have found a cheap and widely-available drug which can help save lives of seriously ill coronavirus patients
It’s called Dexamethasone
[Thread]https://t.co/BWtuIUTLxc
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 16, 2020
One major thing to take note is how cheap the drugs are. However, many people have shared their takes on the updates as many shared their happiness and others; their reservations on the announcement of the breakthrough.
I’m not one to buy into hype about coronavirus treatments. But reading the preliminary results of the RECOVERY trial for COVID-19 patients on ventilators given dexamethasone, I’m genuinely impressed and look forward to seeing official results. Dexamethasone may be a game changer.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) June 16, 2020
The steroid dexamethasone can save one life for every eight patients treated for Covid-19, with the whole treatment only costing around $50 dollars, one of the leaders of the Oxford University study said at a UK government briefing. https://t.co/Pn14q7lcgd
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) June 16, 2020
We @WHO welcome results from a large RCT, that dexamethasone reduces mortality among the most severe #COVID19 patients. Focus must be on saving lives and preventing new infections
Coronavirus breakthrough: dexamethasone is first drug shown to save lives https://t.co/GG75lsEAbk— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) June 16, 2020
If Dexamethasone works, this common inexpensive drug, will no longer be common or inexpensive. Not with their filthy grubby hands in every pot.
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) June 16, 2020
Just hoping people dont go down the chemist pathway gulping down tablets of Dexamethasone. The media really needs to take some responsibility in how they break news. The fine details of these studies are never revealed clearly in how the news is presented to the lay public.
— Femi (@ojayfemi) June 17, 2020
For many, while this is a major breakthrough, they still stressed out the possibility of internal crisis that may arise as they stressed that the drug will be hoarded and made expensive in the end. Some countries are, however, yet to adopt the use of this drug as a treatment process for coronavirus patients.
Please, please, don’t start taking dexamethasone as an attempt at COVID prophylaxis; the entire medical profession implores you.
— Ed Hutchison (@EdHutchison) June 16, 2020
Dexamethasone (A Steroid) is not meant to be used for mild cases of Covid-19. This needs to be addressed on every platform to avoid its misuse or shortage. Patient will die because of steroids rather than Corona.
Do not use dexamethasone without doctor's prescription.#Covid_19— Hamza (@thehamzalatif) June 17, 2020
Dexamethasone can be more dangerous than #COVID19 if taken without medical supervision/indication.
Don't be stupid.
— Dr. Srinivas M.D (AIIMS) (@srinivasaiims) June 16, 2020
As shared on the report by the World Health Organization, the drug is not to be taken by patients with mild symptoms as it would prove harmful to them when they take it, the dexamethasone is only to be taken by patients with extreme conditions.
Here’s what we know about Dexamethasone…
Dexamethasone is a type of corticosteroid medication. It is used in the treatment conditions ranging from rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, and alongside antibiotics in treating tuberculosis.
Being a steroid that has been used since the 1960s to reduce inflammation in a range of conditions, the drug has been listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines since 1977 in multiple formulations and is currently off-patent and affordably available in most countries.
Michael is a dynamic writer who is still exploring the nuances of life and being human. When I’m not writing, I’m out with friends or spending nice time alone watching movies or TV Shows.
Michael is available on Twitter and Instagram @TheMichaelFaya
Leave a reply