Over the past two years, many new therapies for COVID-19 have been developed, developed and thoroughly tested. We already have several safe and effective treatments – from monoclonal antibodies to antivirals – that will help people with COVID -19 avoid serious consequences such as hospitalization and death.
But when it comes to COVID-19, things change quickly and it’s hard to keep track of which treatments are available and recommended. While some therapies may work well against the dominant variants that are prevalent today – which are becoming more similar to the Omicron BA.2 sub -variant – these things may change as the next variant arrives.
Also, there are some nuances as to which treatment makes sense for whom. Most therapies are designed for high -risk patients, and some are not recommended for pregnant women or those taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or organ transplants.
“It’s important to talk to your doctor and he or she can review your list of medications and see which therapy is right for you,” she says. Thomas LiuAssistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Stanford University.
Here is a guide to the COVID-19 treatments currently available:
Monoclonal antibodies
Things: Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory -made antibodies that help the virus invade our cells; Once the virus has invaded our cells, monoclonal antibodies will begin to fight the immune system against the virus. They are injected by infusion.
Where he is with us: Monoclonal antibodies are directed against a very specific virus, so they work best when used against the variant in which they are meant to be treated. As the coronavirus changes, so does the effectiveness of our monoclonal antibodies: the many monoclonal antibodies we used during the pandemic are no longer effective.
“The monoclonal antibody landscape is constantly changing as the virus evolves,” Lev said. For example, Sotrovimab works well against the original Micron (BA.1) but is not as effective against BA.2, so it is stored in areas where BA.2 is primarily fighting. Fortunately, another monoclonal antibody called Bebetelovimab still works well against BA.2, Lev says.
Who qualifies: Monoclonal antibodies are usually maintained High -risk patients Who is not hospitalized and does not need oxygen, but is at risk of developing a serious illness. This includes people over the age of 65 with them Pregnant woman And those with major medical conditions such as obesity, organ transplant, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease or lung disease. Patients must be over 12 years old and weigh at least 88 lbs. Once a person is hospitalized or in need of oxygen, they no longer have qualifications for monoclonal antibodies. Scott RobertsYale Medicine Doctor of Infectious Diseases.
When to start treatment: Within seven days of the onset of symptoms. Get tested at an early stage and, if you are satisfied, start treatment right away, even if you only have mild, cold -like symptoms.
How to get: At the infusion center, hospital or emergency room. If you have a doctor, ask where you can get tested and treated in your area. Here you will find nearby sites that offer monoclonal antibodies.
Paxlovid
Things: An oral antiviral pill that blocks the growth and spread of viruses in the body. Drink twice a day for five days, Paxlovid It has been found to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death 88%. “This is the most effective treatment currently available and it works with all options,” Roberts said.
Where he is with us: Delivery is limited in some areas, but Paxlovid is now available in pharmacies, doctors ’offices, hospitals and ambulances.
Who qualifies: Any high -risk patient with a positive test is eligible, even if they do not have severe symptoms, if they are over the age of 12 and weigh at least 88 pounds. Paxlovid has not been tested in pregnant women and has drug interactions, so it is not recommended for people taking certain heart rhythm medications, anticoagulants, or anti-rejection medications used for in organ transplant patients. If you are taking any medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are a candidate for Paxlovid.
When to start treatment: Within five days of onset of symptoms. “For flu like Tamiflu, the earlier Paxlovid is assumed, hypothetically, it’s better at stopping the virus from multiplying,” Roberts said.
How to get: Paxlovid is available by prescription only, so talk to your primary care doctor or visit an ambulance, emergency room, or health clinic. Here you will find nearby places that offer Paxlovid.
Molnupiravir
Things: Birds in the mouthA viral pill that prevents the virus from multiplying in your body. It was taken twice a day for five days.
Where he is with us: Molnupiravir It is an alternative therapy given to patients who do not have qualifications for paxlovid or monoclonal antibodies, as well as to people who do not live in the infusion site. Molnupiravir helps protect people from hospitalization and death, but it is not as effective as Paxlovid.
Who qualifies: Patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 and at risk of developing serious illness. Not allowed for children under 18 years of age as it can affect bone and cartilage growth. Also not recommended for pregnant women.
When to start treatment: Within five days of onset of symptoms.
How to get: Molnupiravir requires a prescription and can be obtained at a pharmacy. Here you will find nearby places that Molnupirir has to offer.
Remedivir
Things: An antiviral drug that prevents the replication of the virus in the body. It is prescribed IV and, depending on the severity of the disease, is prescribed for three or five days. Roberts said Remedisivir has always been a backbone in treating COVID-19 patients in need of oxygen. Evidence has shown that three days of intravenous administration of remedivir reduces the risk of hospitalization and death by 87%.
Where he is with us: Recent searches We found that even high-risk outpatients with COVID-19 are good candidates for Remedisivir and have since The Food and Drug Administration approved Remedisivir For people who are not hospitalized who are at risk of mild to moderate illness. Remedivir It must resist the BA variant.2.
Who qualifies: High -risk patients have been hospitalized or need oxygen High -risk patients Anyone not hospitalized but with mild to moderate COVID-19. Რ Under the skis Pediatric patients You can also get Remedisivir for up to 12 years.
When to start treatment: Within seven days of the onset of symptoms.
How to get: Ს In the hospital. Expect more doctor’s offices, ambulances and infusion centers to start offering remedivisir soon.
Over-the-counter medication
Most healthy people infected with COVID-19 can recover at home. “An approach of testing, isolation and what’s called care support would be enough for those people,” Lum said.
If you have a cough, take an antitussive (such as dextromethorphan) that can thin the mucus in the airways. Roberts recommends pain relievers like acetaminophen for fever. People with edema should use nasal sprays or decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine).
People with asthma should consider using a prescription inhaler to open their airways, Roberts added. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea can be relieved by loperamide. Lev also advised drinking fluids to prevent dehydration.
Many treatments for COVID-19 are being done, including new pills, infusions, and monoclonal antibodies. Some have shown good results in the early stages of their clinical trials, but it will take some time to complete the final stages of the trial (which is the longest) and finally reach the FDA desk for review.
Before that, watch how future options affect the effectiveness of our current treatments and look for new therapies that will work against all options in the coming months and years.
Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what is known or available since the day it was published, but guidance may change as scientists learn more about the virus. Please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most up -to -date advice.
Source: Huffpost
