Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has advised doctors to use arthritis drug Hydroxychloroquine for patients who are diagnosed with coronavirus and are struggling between life and death.
“A French study published in the International Journal ofAntimicrobial Agents has shown promising results for Hydroxychloroquine as atreatment for the coronavirus, and when used with Azithromycin, itsignificantly reduced the viral load,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
“According to the study, at day 6 of treatment 70 percent ofthe patients who received hydroxychloroquine had cleared the virus and 100percent of the patients treated with Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin combowere virologically cured,” he added.
Dr Nisar said in addition to the direct therapeutic role,combo drug can play a role in controlling the disease epidemic by limiting theduration of virus shedding which can last for several weeks in the absence ofspecific treatment.
“We can’t see people dying. We can’t deny an off-label drugto a patient when it is backed by solid scientific evidence,” Dr Nisar said.”Off-label means to use the drug for other reasons than what the FDA hasapproved the drug for,” he said adding “a doctor is legally free to prescribe adrug for any reason that he or she thinks is medically appropriate, and whenthere are no other options available,” he said. He added that ICMR hasrecommended Hydroxychloroquin as a preventive medication for healthcare workersand household contacts of confirmed cases. “The recommendation needs to beexpanded, and clinicians should be authorized to use the drug for treatment.The restrictive use will take a heavy toll on patients and the community atlarge,” cautioned Dr Nisar.