Tag: HCQ

‘We clearly advised that HCQ should be taken with food, not on empty stomach’

May 26, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

DG, ICMR DELHI on the advisory on use of HCQ. Via @PIB_India:

  • COVID19 is an evolving field, many drugs being repurposed.
  • HCQ has been widely used against malaria.
  • Considering its anti-viral properties, in-vitro study data & availability and safety, we had recommended it as preventive treatment on trial basis under supervision.
  • During these 6 weeks, we got some data in India, mainly observational studies & some case control studies.
  • We found no major side-effects, except nausea, vomiting, palpitation.
  • We hence advised that there is no harm, benefit may be there, its use should be continued.
  • We clearly advised that HCQ should be taken with food, not on empty stomach.
  • We also emphasized that one ECG should be done during the treatment.
  • We expanded use of HCQ to frontline workers also, considering the potential benefits.
  • We have also said that use of PPE should be continued. – DG, @ICMRDELHI on the advisory on use of HCQ.

If we come to know in coming weeks that remdesivir is beneficial in treating COVID19 and if it becomes available, we can start doing its trial : ICMR

April 18, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

Press Briefing on the actions taken, preparedness and updates on COVID-19 :

  • Around 480 patients will get enrolled in the 8-week study on efficacy of HCQ. We have launched another study on side-effects of HCQ on health care workers, using data of some health care workers who had started taking HCQ.
  • AIIMS is conducting studies on assessing both prophylactic and therapeutic impact of HCQ on COVID2019 – i.e. the ability of the drug for both prevention and healing.
  • Studies show that in 68% of COVID2019 patients, use of remdesivir reduces oxygen demand. However, while the manufacturer @GileadSciences says that it is likely to be beneficial, data on the interim analysis being done by them is not yet available.
  • If we come to know in coming weeks that remdesivir is beneficial in treating COVID2019, it will go into patent pooling or if it becomes available, we can start doing its trial. Besides,@WHO Solidarity Trial, in which India too is participating, has an arm on remdesivir.

Source : PIB