As Viktor Maleev, adviser to the Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, told RBC, effective means have not yet been created in the world and doctors use combinations of existing ones to treat coronavirus. The Ministry of Health specified which ones in the list of recommended drugs. These included hydroxychloroquine, interferon, lopinavir and ritonavir.
At the beginning of September, the Ministry of Health released the updated, eighth version of recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. Available infographics are published on the ministry’s website.
As experts note, the drugs umifenovir and recombinant interferon alpha (IFN-α) can be used to prevent coronavirus. After contact with someone infected with SARS-CoV-2, you should take hydroxychloroquine.
The material was commented on and checked by Natalya Valerievna Polenova, candidate of medical sciences, family doctor, cardiologist, pediatric cardiologist, nutritionist at GMS Clinic.
What we know about COVID-19
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Discovered in China at the end of 2022, by May 15 it had infected 4.4 million people worldwide. Most of those with symptoms complain of fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Special medications and vaccines against COVID-19 have not yet been developed. However, virologist and head of the MIPT genome engineering laboratory Pavel Volchkov said that the first effective cure for coronavirus infection may appear in the fall.
In general, the Ministry of Health recommends the use of six drugs to treat coronavirus. these are favipiravir, remdesivir, umifenovir, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and interferon alfa.
Hydroxychloroquine and mefloquine
Doctors have been using drugs based on chloroquine for more than 70 years to treat malaria and autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus). Scientists have found that the active substance is also effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In March, the Chinese holding Shanghai Pharmaceuticals provided Russia with the drug hydroxychloroquine (a derivative of chloroquine) for the treatment of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health did not identify any contraindications and allowed its use, donating more than 68 thousand packages to hospitals, despite the fact that hydroxychloroquine is not registered in Russia.
Scientists are still arguing about the validity of using hydroxychloroquine. Research by French infectious disease specialist Didier Raoult showed positive results. But the Associated Press published data from American studies. An analysis of medical records of patients treated with the drug showed that hydroxychloroquine was less effective than standard treatments.
In April, the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of the Russian Federation conducted clinical trials of mefloquine (an analogue of hydroxychloroquine approved in Russia). Scientists found out how effective and safe this antimalarial drug is. According to preliminary data from a study involving 347 patients, after using mefloquine, positive dynamics were noted in 78% of cases. The FMBA will provide its final conclusions at the end of May.
Lopinavir and ritonavir
A combination of antiviral drugs called kaletra is used to treat HIV. According to WHO, the use of the drug in combination with other medications is effective in the fight against coronavirus. At the end of January, the Ministry of Health included lopinavir with ritovinar in the list of drugs recommended for COVID-19 as antiviral therapy. As a result, the demand and sales of kaletra increased tenfold. Experts warn that uncontrolled use of the drug without a doctor's prescription can cause harm to health, including diarrhea and liver damage.
Chinese scientists have found that lopinavir and ritonavir are not effective in treating mild to moderate COVID-19. Taking medications does not improve the clinical picture; moreover, it may cause side effects. The experiment involved 86 patients, of which 34 people took a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, and 17 patients did not receive any drugs. After two weeks, both groups showed similar results, but those taking the medications experienced side effects.
Eye drops with hyaluronic acid
Important! Hyaluronic acid is a compound that helps strengthen and restore corneal tissue. Solutions containing such a substance are characterized by increased keratoprotective characteristics.
Among these drugs you can choose the following:
- Okutiars. These are proven and frequently prescribed ultra-high molecular weight hyaluronic acid eye drops without preservatives. They moisturize well, eliminate dryness and eye discomfort that occurs periodically after prolonged visual work (for office workers, students, drivers, etc.). Once opened, the bottle is stored for 6 months and since it does not contain preservatives, it can be dropped onto contact lenses. Ocutiarz is often used to relieve discomfort after ophthalmological operations on the cornea, such as PRK, LASIK, cataract extraction.
- Stillavit . A drug for moisturizing the conjunctiva and protecting it from external factors and irritants: dust, bacteria, foreign bodies. The product promotes the formation of a stronger protective film on the surface of the eyeball and its uniform distribution over the surface of the eye. Drops can be instilled 3-6 times a day.
- Vizmed . Drops to replenish the deficiency of tear fluid and restore the tear film. The drug does not contain preservatives and can be used even when wearing contact lenses (the optics do not need to be removed during instillation).
Remdesivir
Remdesivir is used to treat Ebola fever. Canadian scientists from the University of Alberta have found that the drug blocks the reproduction of coronavirus. Studies have proven the effectiveness of the antiviral agent in the treatment of MERS respiratory syndrome and SARS-CoV, the RNA structure of which is similar to coronavirus. Virologists obtained identical results in the case of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, and concluded that remdesivir could be used for treatment. The New England Journal of Medicine also published the results of a study in which the use of the drug improved the condition of 68% of patients. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in parliament on April 28 that he plans to authorize the use of remdesevir to treat COVID-19. In the United States, the drug was successfully tested, and on May 2, the Department of Sanitary Inspection issued an emergency permit for its use.
Drops for children
Note! For children, if eye hydration is necessary, it is better to use the following medications:
- Tobrex. This is a combination drug, one of the functions of which is to moisturize and strengthen the mucous membrane. For such purposes, it is enough to instill the product up to three times a day, one drop at a time.
- Oksial. They act as anti-inflammatory and moisturizing drops, which additionally have a restorative effect on the tissue cells of the cornea. Depending on how severe the dry eye syndrome is, drops are used one to three times a day.
- Hilo chest of drawers. The solution is often used for problems with eye hydration resulting from the use of contact optics. It is recommended to instill drops at least three times a day, one drop in each eye.
APN01
The Austrian biotechnology company APEIRON Biologics AG has begun clinical trials of the drug APN01, which was developed in the early 2000s. Scientists have discovered that the ACE2 protein, which is part of it, suppresses infections caused by viruses of the SARS group. It also helps protect the lungs during respiratory failure.
The authorities of Austria, Germany and Denmark agreed to conduct clinical trials of the drug. During the study, 200 patients with COVID-19 will receive APN01. Then virologists will evaluate the effect of the drug, and also analyze its effectiveness and safety for patients who require artificial ventilation.
Ribavirin
It is quite difficult to assess the effectiveness and safety of ribavirin. On the one hand, this drug inhibits the reproduction of the vast majority of viruses, on the other, the mechanism of action of ribavirin is not fully understood. At the end of January, the Ministry of Health recommended the use of this antiviral drug to treat coronavirus. It is prescribed to children for respiratory syncytial infection (a rare type of acute respiratory viral infection), which causes severe lung damage. The drug is used for severe influenza, for measles in children with immunodeficiency, and in combination with interferon ribavirin to treat viral hepatitis C.
However, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Chuchalin criticized the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. When prescribing the drug to adults, it is necessary to take into account its teratogenicity (threat of disruption of embryonic development), therefore ribavirin is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. Despite the fact that the drug inhibits the reproduction of many viruses, it is very toxic and causes many side effects.
At the end of March, the Ministry of Health excluded ribavirin from the list of recommended drugs for the treatment of COVID-19.
Causes of skin changes
Mesotherapy is most often performed by girls not for preventive purposes, but to eliminate specific skin problems - sagging, lethargy, pigmentation, acne, swelling, uneven skin tone, etc.
There are many factors that can negatively affect the health of facial skin:
- Age-related changes. After 30 years, a woman’s age will in any case affect the condition of her skin;
- Hormonal surges. This happens during adolescence, pregnancy, prolonged stress, illness or when exposed to other external factors;
- Using low quality cosmetics. The use of cheap foundations and creams is the main mistake girls make when choosing cosmetics;
- Low immunity. The lack of vitamins and microelements in a girl’s body especially often affects the skin;
- Climate impact. Constant changes in temperature and environmental climate directly affect skin health;
- Impact of external factors. Numerous skin damage, ultraviolet radiation and many other factors affect tissue health.
Because of this, girls’ facial skin now shows the first signs of aging quite early, it becomes less firm and elastic, pigmentation, acne, and wrinkles appear.
It is almost impossible to restore the health of the skin on your own, since its deterioration is associated with problems of the internal microflora of the tissues.
Ivermectin
Australian scientists from Monash University and the Royal Melbourne Hospital have discovered an antiparasitic agent that virtually destroys the SARS-CoV-2 virus within 48 hours, reducing its presence by 99%. According to researchers, the use of ivermectin will help avoid severe complications of COVID-19, as well as prevent the spread of the virus. During the experiments, ivermectin was added to cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. After 24 hours, the proportion of viral RNAs decreased by 93%, and after 48 hours, the presence of the virus decreased by 99%.
A single treatment with ivermectin can reduce the virus by 5 thousand times in 48 hours, scientists say. The drug is approved by WHO.
Nelfinavir
Nelfinavir is used in combination with other antiviral drugs to treat HIV. The study was carried out by Japanese scientists. According to the data obtained, the drug is able to block the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2. Virologists studied nine similar drugs and found that nelfinavir is effective even in small doses. Therefore, it is recommended to include it in the list of potentially effective drugs for the treatment of COVID-19.
What to do while there is no vaccine
- wear medical masks when visiting public places;
- on the street and in crowded places, maintain a distance of at least 1.5 m from others;
- avoid contact with people who have been exposed to the virus;
- stay at home if possible;
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap;
- use a disinfectant with an alcohol content of at least 60%;
- do not touch your face;
- monitor hygiene in the house.
Types of moisturizing solutions
It is worth noting! All moisturizing eye drops can be divided into three large groups:
- Exclusively moisturizing preparations . Their main purpose is to moisturize the conjunctiva and cornea when diagnosed with dry eye syndrome.
- Vitamin and mineral drops . They are closest in composition to natural tear fluid, but in addition to moisturizing and protecting the eyes, they also nourish the tissues of the eyeball with the microelements necessary for normal functioning. Often used by people who constantly work at the computer.
- Products for those who have to wear contact lenses. In this category of people, while using contact optics, dry eye syndrome often develops and tissue repair processes may even be disrupted. Moisturizing solutions help prevent this.
In some cases, drugs from different groups can be combined, although most often just some drops are sufficient.
Expert commentary
What medications, besides antiviral drugs and antibiotics, are recommended for the treatment of COVID-19 by the Russian Ministry of Health?
According to the eighth version of the resolution “Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus should receive pathogenetic and supportive symptomatic therapy if necessary. The first group of drugs includes, first of all: glucocorticosteroids (GCS), interleukin inhibitors (tocilizumab, canakinumab), anticoagulants (enoxaparin, fraxiparin).
Glucocorticosteroids are able to prevent the release of cytokines, substances responsible for the development of a violent inflammatory reaction, which can lead to a very dangerous complication “cytokine storm”. GCS may be useful in the treatment of severe forms of COVID-19 to prevent irreversible tissue damage and uncontrolled multiple organ failure.
It should be noted that for mild to moderate severity of the disease, that is, for patients not receiving oxygen, GCS are not indicated. So there is not the slightest need to buy hormones from pharmacies for use at home.
Drugs from the group of cytokine inhibitors are used when the lung parenchyma is damaged by more than 50%, that is, stage CT-3, CT-4 in combination with signs of increasing intoxication: long-term fever, very high levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.
In groups of patients at high risk of thrombus formation, for the prevention of so-called coagulopathies, it is advisable to prescribe anticoagulants used subcutaneously. Evidence of the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants for COVID-19 is not yet sufficient, however, if the patient was taking them before the disease, the drug should be continued until then. High-risk groups include patients with cardiovascular pathology, diabetes, and obesity.
How is symptomatic treatment of coronavirus carried out?
Drugs for symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 include antipyretic drugs, antitussive drugs that improve sputum discharge. Paracetamol is recognized as the safest antipyretic drug.
There is no need to wait until a certain level of fever is reached before using an antipyretic drug. In the presence of headache and muscle pain, poor tolerance to symptoms of intoxication and fever, it is possible to use drugs even at a relatively low body temperature.
What can you take to prevent coronavirus?
The most important characteristics of a diet that helps strengthen the immune system are: adequate daily calorie intake, sufficient intake of protein and a number of micronutrients, especially vitamin C, D, A, iron and zinc, increased intake of dietary fiber and, if necessary, probiotics, maintaining water balance. According to the clinical recommendations of the Russian Association of Endocrinologists, to prevent vitamin D deficiency in adults aged 18-50 years, it is recommended to receive at least 600-800 IU of the vitamin per day. People over 50 years old - at least 800-1000 IU of vitamin D per day.
There are some indirect indications of zinc's potential antiviral effect against COVID-19, although their biomedical relevance remains to be explored. Based on recent data on the clinical course of the disease, it appears that zinc may have protective effects against COVID-19 by reducing the incidence of pneumonia, preventing ventilator-induced lung injury, and improving antibacterial and antiviral immunity, especially in older adults.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C, AA) takes part in such vital physiological processes as hormone production, collagen synthesis, stimulation of the immune system, etc. The latter effect can be due to both the direct antiviral effect of AA and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
What happens to the skin after AngioFtem–O2 injections?
The effectiveness of AngioFtem–O2 mesococktails lies in a double effect on the treated area: the epithelial cells in it are saturated with useful components, and the internal microflora is restored.
In this case, improving the health of the dermis consists of the following factors:
- Acceleration of blood microcirculation.
- Restoring the integrity of blood vessels and capillaries.
- Activation of elastin and collagen regeneration.
- Active production of new epithelial cells.
- Restoring the water balance of the dermis.
If we talk about the external manifestations of the effectiveness of mesotherapy, they are reflected in increasing the elasticity and firmness of the skin, increasing its tone, eliminating pigmentation, acne, dark circles under the eyes and many other defects.
Also keep in mind that the first results of the cosmetic procedure begin to appear after 1-2 sessions, since the skin is quickly saturated with useful components and improves its external condition.
