https://www.foxnews.com/media/toxicologist-reacts-after-trump-announces-fda-making-anti-malaria-drug-available-to-test-covid-19-treatment
Appearing on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Dr.
Chris Martenson said the experimental drugs --
including hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin -- were made available on
Thursday by the Food and Drug Administration.
Although chloroquine
has a "spotty past" and is unsafe at certain levels, Martenson noted
that at the levels used in studies, the drug seems to "be reasonably
safe" and works by allowing zinc to stop viruses from replicating.
In addition, azithromycin could potentially stop secondary infections in damaged lungs, he said.
Martenson, a futurist and co-founder of PeakProsperity.com, said that
while a small number of patients saw viral loads going down, long-term
effects have yet to be revealed.
"Promise"
ReplyDeleteRight. The same promise as they may have had 4 months ago. And yet still no benefits demonstrated by anyone. How long are we going to keep waxing poetic about the promise of this treatment? In the history of medicine a million things were promising in in vitro studies but then failed in clinical testing.
This is a good reminder of the complexity of the situation. Just look at something simple, like whether or not it matters to wear a surgical mask in public. Every couple of weeks another study comes out saying either it is or isn't. With a new drug therapy it'll take a long time to decide if it helps. However, sadly, there's no data anywhere that shows it's a preventative.
ReplyDeleteThe debate about this drug has become ideological and political.
ReplyDeleteIN UK, they are starting a clinical trial on National Health Service workers, to see its preventative efficacy. Other trials also going on - will either completely negate use of the drug or come up with surprising findings
There are several studies going on right now about using the drugs for prevention. The results won't be in till around August. So why speculate? Let the science proceed.
ReplyDeleteuntil the study is completed would you take it?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't.
ReplyDeleteI might take it for a different condition. Depends on what my doctor says.
ReplyDeleteBTW, it's likely I already had the virus - I had cold /flu symptoms for 6 weeks, unlike anything I've previously had. Not severe, but 20% of people in London already had it.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately a lot of the quacks are taking up the cause of this drug. It's plausible that the trials still taking place were planned 4 months ago before the hard data started coming in.
ReplyDeleteCurrent treatments include anti coagulents, antiviral cocktails, and anti inflammatory mabs.
I had a mab for asthma/urticaria, who knows, it may have saved my life.