In an interview on Monday, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria briefed the public on the importance of drug management during the ongoing pandemic, which has sparked concerns about shortages of medicines like Remdesivir.
“As far as drug management is concerned, there are two aspects – one is drugs and the other is the timing of drugs,” he said, warning that, “Giving a cocktail of drugs can also be more harmful.”
He also spoke about treating Covid-19 through drugs, steroids and CT scans. However, he advised against the use of Remdesivir for people recovering at home. “Studies have shown that Remdesivir is not a magic bullet and it is not reducing mortality. We may use it as we don’t have an antiviral drug. It’s of no use if given early to asymptomatic individuals/ones with mild symptoms. Also of no use, if given late,” he said.
“The majority of patients will improve with just symptomatic treatment. It’s only when you have moderate patients who are admitted that we need to look at steroids and other antiviral drugs (like Remedesivir) by following protocols and rationally give treatment,” he added.