Fluvoxamine, a low-cost antidepressant, could reduce the risk of serious illness from Covid-19. As well as reducing hospitalizations, revealed a study published in the journal TI have Lancet Global Health.
The possible therapeutic role of fluvoxamin
“Recent evidence indicates a possible therapeutic role of fluvoxamine for Covid-19 (…) Although safe vaccines have been developed, the reuse of existing drugs. Which, are widely available and with well-understood security profiles, have a particular appeal ”, it was indicated in the investigation.
The trial, conducted in Brazil, involved about 1,500 high-risk symptomatic patients, confirmed as positive for SARS-CoV-2. Those who took the drug were less likely to be seriously infected and to be hospitalized.
ABOUT THE TRIAL:
Of the 741 volunteers with Covid-19 who took fluvoxamine twice a day for 10 days. 11% required emergency medical attention, against 16% of the 756 patients who received a placebo and had to be hospitalized.
“Active drugs and placebo pills were packaged in bottles identically and labeled with letters of the alphabet corresponding to the active group or the placebo group. Only the pharmacist responsible for publishing the randomisation knew which letter was associated with the drugs or the placebo. ” So said the researchers who participated in the study.
Antidepressant for OCD could now act against Covid-19
Dr. Angela Reiersen, a professor of psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis. He explained to an international media that the antidepressant is used to treat depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, can reduce the production of inflammatory molecules called cytokines. Which, trigger the infection by SARS-CoV-2.
The specialist, who participated in the study, specified that fluvoxamine helps reduce blood platelets. This could affect the clotting effects of Covid-19 infection.
Findings Could Influence Covid-19 Clinical Treatment Guidelines
“Given the safety, tolerability, ease of use, low cost, and widespread availability of fluvoxamine. These findings could influence national and international guidelines on clinical treatment against Covid-19, ”according to the study.
The researchers acknowledged that more studies are needed to confirm that the antidepressant can be added to treatments. Which are administered to patients with Covid-19.
“The use of treatments, including fluvoxamine, to prevent disease progression and hospitalization. It depends fundamentally on the identification of the people most at risk ”, they concluded.
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