What Will Work For COVID-19?

There are so many experimental treatments out there being investigated for COVID-19.  We have already heard about Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine which has received so much attention these past months. The FDA has now issued warnings of irregular heart rhythms with this drug.

🦠NYC hospitals are now studying the efficacy of Famotidine, a medication for acid reflux.

🦠The nation now knows that the antiviral drug Remdesivir shows promise for treating COVID-19 by improving recovery time for some patients in a multinational randomized trial.

🦠Pharmaceutical companies are also looking to see if a medication (Sarilumab,Kevzara) blocking a chemical, interleukin IL-6 will help against COVID19. IL-6 inhibitors are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis currently. Another IL-6 inhibitor that has also been used during this pandemic is Tocilizumab.

Why block IL-6?

🔹 Plays a key role in inflammatory and immune mediated response

🔹Can contribute to fever, malaise, muscle weakness in RA and other diseases

🔹Elevated IL-6 levels correlate with rheumatoid disease activity

🔹Promotes joint inflammation and joint destruction in RA

🔹Works on cells in the immune system and blood vessels

🔹Plays a role in anemia development by inducing hepicidin production

IL-6 binds to a receptor and that complex can activate a pathway leading to inflammation and sometimes can put the immune system into overdrive.

By blocking this molecule, there is a hypothesis that there may be prevention or better management of a “cytokine storm”. In this scenario, inflammation in the body becomes out of control as a consequence of the overactive immune response in some patients who develop COVID-19 infection.

Side effects of IL-6 inhibition in RA may include:

🔶Abnormal liver enzymes

🔶Elevated cholesterol

🔶Decrease in white blood cell count (neutropenia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia).

We are all anxious to see if a treatment does meet the requirements of being SAFE and EFFECTIVE for COVID-19 after lager studies and clinical trials are conducted.

Disclaimer:  This blog contains my personal opinion based on personal and clinical experience, tips from trainers, health coaches, and lastly research.  This blog does not endorse specific treatments, procedures, products.  You should always consult with a doctor, nutritionist, or other healthcare professional to discuss your own health and lifestyle goals and regimen based on your medical history.  Thank you for reading!