The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is continuing to increase around the world, and cases have now been reported in many countries. More than 100 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., and the number of deaths related to the virus climbed to more than 10 last week.
While many people are scared of the pandemic and choose to stay at home and isolate themselves, there are some who are determined to fight the battle against COVID-19. Researchers are scrambling to discover a vaccine as quickly as possible and testing trials are under way.
Here is what we know about the best treatment for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19):
Hydroxychloroquine/Chloroquine
These are anti-malarial drugs which have been shown to have some effectiveness against the novel coronavirus in in vitro studies. However, there have not been any large-scale clinical trials to confirm their impact in humans. Chloroquine is already approved for use in children, while hydroxychloroquine is approved for use in adults. Both drugs have antiviral properties and may be able to inhibit the replication of the novel coronavirus. But, they also have the potential to cause serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued safety alerts about the drugs because of these possible side effects. Furthermore, while there have been many claims that the COVID-19 virus has been completely eradicated, studies have not yet confirmed this. So, the drugs’ effectiveness against COVID-19 is still uncertain.
Lopinavir/Ritonavirin
This combination of an anti-viral drug and an anti-cancer drug has been shown to be effective in in vitro studies against the COVID-19 virus. However, there are no large-scale studies confirming its ability to treat COVID-19 in humans. Like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir and ritonavirin also carry the potential to cause serious side effects. Lopinavir has been shown to cause abnormal blood clotting, while ritonavirin can cause abnormal liver function. These adverse effects may be exacerbated in patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. So, although there is some evidence to suggest that these drugs may be able to treat COVID-19, their effectiveness is still questionable.
Remdesivir
This drug was originally developed to treat hepatitis C but has also demonstrated activity against the COVID-19 virus in in vitro studies. Like lopinavir and ritonavirin, remdesivir has not yet been tested in a large-scale clinical trial but has shown promise in early trials. Remdesivir has also demonstrated a good safety profile in people with pre-existing medical conditions. While the effectiveness and safety of this drug in COVID-19 has not yet been proven, it has been shown to be extremely effective in preventing and treating diseases caused by other coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS. It is also one of the few drugs which have the potential to treat all three forms of the virus (i.e., COVID-19, SARS, and MERS).
Interferon Beta
This is a type of protein which is naturally released by the human body in response to a viral infection. It has the potential to prevent COVID-19 in humans but it also comes with many side effects. Patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes are more likely to experience adverse effects such as flu-like symptoms, depression, and suicidal thoughts. So, while there is some evidence to suggest that interferon beta may be able to prevent COVID-19, it is not yet ready to be prescribed for this purpose.
Umifenovib
This drug was originally developed to treat melanoma and has shown some effectiveness against the novel coronavirus in in vitro studies. However, there are no large-scale clinical trials to confirm its impact in humans. As a result, its effectiveness against COVID-19 is still uncertain. Like many other investigational drugs, umifenovib has the potential to cause serious side effects. Some of these side effects include liver toxicity and abnormal blood clotting. If you are taking this drug, be sure to speak with your doctor about any possible side effects.
In an effort to find a treatment for COVID-19, many pharmaceutical companies have begun human trials. While some of these treatments appear to be effective, others come with potentially serious side effects. Given the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, it is not yet clear what the best treatment is. However, as more information becomes available, we will be sure to update this article.