Dexamethasone emerged as a ray of hope for severe coronavirus sufferers yesterday, as an Oxford University study concluded the steroid reduces the COVID-19 mortality rate. Doctors may now use the drug when treating patients in hospital, as it is accessible via in-house pharmacies. However, not everyone will have ready access to the drug.
Can you buy Dexamethasone over the counter?
People buy over-the-counter medication for conditions which aren’t life-threatening they can treat on their own.
Generally, they have limited side effects and won’t be as strong as medications available via prescription.
Much like antibiotics, steroids such as Dexamethasone require a “course” of administration to deal with a disease, and as such a doctor must prescribe them.
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While many people may be surprised they can’t get a potentially life-saving drug over-the-counter, experts insist only people in hospital need it.
Speaking at yesterday’s Government coronavirus briefing, Professor Peter Horby of Oxford University said the successful clinical trial found the drug only helped those needing a ventilator or oxygen due to severe symptoms.
The trial of 6,000 people found the drug saved one life for every eight patients treated on a ventilator, and one for every 25 on oxygen.
The trial found the drug had little effect on those with lesser symptoms of the virus.
Even people could buy Dexamethasone over the counter it would likely prove useless for those well enough to leave home and buy it.
Although it isn’t widely available, Dexamethasone is life-saving both for its qualities and price.
Current treatments for coronavirus are expensive, as ventilators can cost up to £25,000 for large devices.
Dexamethasone is available “by the pence”, and one day of treatment costs roughly 50p per patient.
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Professor Martin Landray, lead researcher of the Oxford trial, said the “globally available” drug would save lives at a vastly reduced price.
He told the BBC: “There is a clear, clear benefit.
“The treatment is up to 10 days of dexamethasone and it costs about £5 per patient.
“So essentially it costs £35 to save a life. This is a drug that is globally available.”
When it’s not treating coronavirus, Dexamethasone is vital for people suffering from a variety of other conditions.
Along with a range of steroid brands, Dexamethasone can treat the following ailments:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Arthritis
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