By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE drug Tocilizumab has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use by Covid-19 patients but the Ministry of Health is hoping that the use will be minimised or the drug not used at all.
Thoracic Medical Director at Caura Hospital Dr Michelle Trotman said on Wednesday that the drug was used for patients who were seriously ill.
She said, “We ultimately do not want to have to offer anyone the use of Tocilizumab. One way to do that is not to get seriously ill with Covid-19. I am so elated that we have something that can prevent us from getting to that point and that is the use of the vaccine.”
Dr Trotman was asked about the use of the drugs in patients during the Ministry of Health virtual media conference.
As of July 7, 2021, the Ministry of Health approved the use of IL-6 receptor blockers, (Tocilizumab or Sarilumab) as a therapeutic in the treatment of patients with severe or critical Covid-19. This decision to approve these therapeutics in Trinidad and Tobago is based on the findings and recommendations of the “World Health Organization Therapeutics and COVID19 Living Guidelines” report of July 6, 2021.
Dr Trotman said additional information will be gathered from the various regional health authorities and shared with the public concerning the drug administration.
New Covid-19 pill not yet being considered
She reminded that all drugs used must have WHO’s approval and that the new anti- viral pill molnupiravir, is not yet WHO approved.
The question was asked if government was considering pre-ordering the drug that was created by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and is awaiting US government approval.
