Remdesivir and tocilizumab are currently used as investigational therapies for COVID-19. These drugs may cause serious adverse effects, including liver and kidney injury, hence indicated to be used with extreme caution in moderate-to-severe patients as per protocol. Evidence suggests that both remdesivir and tocilizumab decrease time to clinical improvement when used in moderate-to-severe cases. However, no benefits in terms of reduced mortality are observed when these drugs are prescribed .
The ICMR strongly recommends that clinical management of COVID-19 should focus on oxygen therapy, steroids, mental health counseling, management of pre-existing illness, and palliation of symptoms. Currently, the treatment approach is supportive care. Importantly, the rampant use of these drugs is discouraged because : Drugs are mainly indicated for cytokine storm. Drugs are only permitted for…
