Dexamethasone is not a new drug, and this is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood, or immune system disorders. It is used to reduce inflammation in the body.
After WHO (World Health Organization) has congratulated the Life-saving drug named Dexamethasone from the UK Government, there are many speculations around many doctors or researchers whether it is really good or bad to use?
While drugs like Hydroxychloroquine are used as Anti-Viral Drug for the most affected COVID people, does this really reduces the Mortality rate?
As per the UK, the 2014 patients trail was done to receive six mg per day either by mouth or by Intravenous injection for ten days. After the result, scientists found that it can reduce the Mortality rate by 1/3 for Ventilator patients and 1/5 for patients receiving oxygen. From 40% to 28% on Ventilators and from 25% to 20% on Oxygen receiving people. Researches said there was no benefit from dexamethasone among the patients who are less infected.
Here we should understand that this drug is used for the patients who are at high risk of COVID that too after the doctor decides.
No to Self-Medication
On the other side, a frontline doctor on COVID-19 named Faheem Younus, Chief Infections disease from the University of Maryland, USA has stated that this may bring more harm bad over good. The benefits are only shown for the 5% sickest patients.
Yes, he said, this is good for the Mortality rate increase and the cost of this is very cheap. But this Dexamethasone has more short/long side effects. If self-medication has taken by the patient he may increase his blood sugar levels, Stomach ulcers, Weight Gain and a few may suffer heart strokes. Only doctors should decide for the patient.
Athletes who Used Dexamethasone
This is not new for athletes, many of them have consumed it before their competition to improve their performance. The drug is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for the athletes. If he gets consumed, he will get a suspension.
Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos has found positive of using this drug and recently our Indian Javelin thrower Davinder Singh also doped this and currently under suspension according to India.com News.
Coming to India, there is no shortage of this drug as it is available in the form of injections and tablets in the pharmaceutical stores. The injection called Dexona costs around Rs 10 per 2 ml of Dose and 30 tablet strip around Rs 7. But this should not be taken as self-medication and mostly this is used for the patients who were at high risk.
Spread Awareness and this is used only after the Doctor prescribes.