What is Dexamethasone?
- Dexamethasone is a steroid often used for multiple myeloma treatment, but has shown promise for COVID-19 patients as well.
- In clinical trials, researchers found that COVID-19 patients who used the steroid saw a significant drop in death rates.
- Dexamethasone prevents cytokine storms (severe immune reactions) from occurring, which is common in COVID-19 cases.
- The steroid is inexpensive and widely accessible. Patients should consult their physician for more information.
Dexamethasone is a steroid regarded as the mainstay of multiple myeloma treatment, and it turns out it has benefits for more than just cancer patients. The steroid has been used in a number of clinical trials testing whether it’s effective for those diagnosed with COVID-19, and the results were promising. In the RECOVERY (randomized evaluation of COVID-19 therapy) study, researchers found that death rates dropped by 35% for patients requiring ventilators and 20% for those needing oxygen.
Read MoreHow Does Dexamethasone Help COVID-19 Patients?
Dexamethasone is a steroid which stops white blood cells from traveling to areas where cancerous cells are causing damage, which reduces inflammation and swelling as well as relieving pain and pressure patients may be experiencing. Turns out, reducing inflammation can be a huge help for those facing the virus.
According to Dr. Paul Richardson, the Clinical Program Leader and Director of Clinical Research at the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the main factors of increased death rates for COVID-19 patients is the cytokine storm a severe immune reaction where the body releases too many cytokines (small proteins) into the blood. This reaction is very common in COVID-19 patients, and by targeting inflammation problems in the body, this can help interrupt cytokine storms from occurring.
Related: Does Inflammation Cause Cancer?
In addition to halting cytokine storms, Dexamethasone can help prevent secondary infections and other health complications once the immune reaction is stopped. Fortunately, patients don’t have to look far for this steroid, as it’s an inexpensive and widely available medicine that’s used often during cancer treatment. Even though it’s accessible, not all medications are right for everyone. So, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
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