It was reported that no scientifically proven effective drug treatment has yet been found for the novel coronavirus, but the most effective drug appears to be "Favipiravir," and patients should use their medications at the specified dose and duration. Prof. Dr. Tayfun Uzbay, Head of the Department of Internal Medical Sciences at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, reminded in a statement to an AA correspondent that drug studies for COVID-19, which first appeared in China in December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, were quickly initiated.
Uzbay pointed out that no scientifically proven effective drug treatment has yet been found from the studies that began at an unprecedented pace and are still ongoing, stating, "Like many similar viral infections, COVID-19 cannot be definitively cured with medication. Drug treatment is mostly supportive in nature."
Uzbay stated that studies were conducted on the malaria drug "hydroxychloroquine," which was speculated to be protective at the beginning of the pandemic, adding, "Studies revealed it has no protective properties. Its supportive effect on treatment is debated. No substantial evidence has been obtained indicating that high-dose intravenous Vitamin C administration or two separate antiviral drugs contribute to treatment. There is also no indication yet that drugs such as dornase alfa, wormwood (artemisia), nicotine, stomach medications like famotidine and cimetidine, amiodarone, dipyridamole, and the antiparasitic ivermectin, which came to the agenda with instant speculations during the process, can be used in treatment."
Uzbay also provided information on plasma therapy, saying, "No sufficiently effective results have yet been obtained from applications such as plasma antibody therapy or stem cell therapy that could curb the pace of the pandemic."
"The most effective drug appears to be 'Favipiravir'"
Providing information on "Favipiravir," a drug actively used in COVID-19 treatment in Turkey, Uzbay continued: "Currently, the most effective drug appears to be 'Favipiravir,' another antiviral. In many patients, especially when treatment is started early, Favipiravir slows the replication rate of COVID-19 in the body, preventing the disease from progressing with more severe symptoms and helping patients recover. Therefore, patients must strictly use the medication prescribed by their doctor at the specified dose and duration. In cases where patients develop bacterial infections, antibiotics like azithromycin, as well as blood thinners and recently corticosteroid drugs, are given as part of the treatment."
Uzbay also underlined that the spread of the virus and the number of lives lost due to the virus are increasing daily.
"Human monoclonal antibody S309 neutralized COVID-19"
Uzbay stated that the most effective treatment strategy in infections turning into pandemics is protecting healthy individuals and preventing illness, noting that this is important both for the complete eradication of the pandemic and for reducing treatment costs.
Prof. Dr. Uzbay explained that during the pandemic, efforts to produce effective synthetic antibodies and develop vaccines against COVID-19 came to the forefront, stating: "A study published in Nature, one of the world's most important scientific journals, showed that S309, a human monoclonal antibody, strongly neutralized COVID-19. This antibody was first developed against the SARS virus.
S-309 exerts its effect by preventing the virus from entering cells. The region targeted by the antibody on the virus is also important. Even if the virus mutates, it appears unable to escape this. By using S309 and composite antibodies containing S309, protection can be provided to high-risk or infected individuals, and the disease can also be treated. It was also claimed that the drug developed based on this was used in the treatment of American President Donald Trump. However, the expensive and laborious production of drugs manufactured by this method may limit their field of use."
How are medications used?
Brochures prepared by the Ministry of Health on proper drug use in COVID-19 treatment state that "Hydroxychloroquine and/or Favipiravir" are recommended for both outpatient uncomplicated or mild-to-moderate pneumonia possible/confirmed COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 cases with hospitalization indications, and both drugs must be used under a doctor's recommendation and supervision. It is emphasized that treatment initiated early and continued with correct dosages largely prevents disease progression and reduces the rate of transition to intensive care.
According to the information in the brochures, Favipiravir should be taken 8 tablets each in the morning and evening on the first day, followed by 3 tablets each in the morning and evening for 4 days. Favipiravir is not used in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. For Hydroxychloroquine, it is recommended to take a total of 10 tablets by the end of the 5th day, with 1 tablet each in the morning and evening. This drug is not used in individuals with heart conditions or rhythm disorders.