First, we tried the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine. Then we tested the antiviral drug remdesivir. But new UK research gives the strongest indication yet we may have found a useful treatment for COVID-19.
This time it’s an old anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone, which has been described as cheap, old and boring.
Preliminary results from a clinical trial just released indicate the drug seems to reduce your chance of dying from COVID-19 if you’re in hospital and need oxygen or a machine to help you breathe.
The results were significant enough for the UK to recommend its use for severe COVID-19.
Before we roll it out in Australia, we need to balance the drug’s risks with its benefits after peer review of the full trial data.
Loading
What is dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone has been used since the late 1950s, so doctors are familiar with it. It’s also inexpensive, with a packet of 30 tablets costing around $22 (for general patients) under Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
So