DGHS Drops Some Drugs From COVID-19 Treatment; Change In Guidelines

New Delhi: There are revised guidelines to stop the use of Ivermectin and Doxycycline in COVDI-19 treatment. The Union Health Ministry and Family Welfare’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) have dropped all medicines, except antipyretic and antitussive, for asymptomatic and mild cases.

However, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has not yet approved the revised guidelines.

The revised guidelines:

About Remdesivir.

“Remdesivir is a reserved drug approved by DCG (I) under Emergency Use Authorization only based on limited scientific evidence globally. It is to be used only in select moderate/ severe hospitalised Covid-19 patients on supplemental oxygen within 10 days of onset of disease. Physicians are advised to exercise extreme caution in using remdesivir as this is only an experimental drug with potential to harm.”

Other drugs that have been dropped are

Hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, doxycycline, zinc and multivitamins.

Asymptomatic cases

No medication is required. In the case of mildly symptomatic patients, self-monitoring for fever, breathlessness and oxygen saturation (SpO2) have been recommended.

Tocilizumab

“Tocilizumab is an immunosuppressant drug and it has been approved by DCG (I) for use as an off-label drug only in severe and critically ill patients of Covid-19.”

Steroids

“Steroids are indicated in only hospitalized moderately severe and critically ill Covid-19 cases. Steroids should be used at the right time, in right dose and for right duration. Self-medication of steroids must be avoided,” the health ministry said.

COVID-19 behaviour

Importance has been given to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour like using masks, hand sanitisers and maintaining social distancing. The health ministry also advised people to seek teleconsultations on experiencing COVID symptoms.