p permissionemergency use or emergency use of authorization (EUA) medicine Actemra for COVID-19 has been approved since June 2021. However, it is important to understand that not all COVID-19 patients need to receive the Actemra drug.
Actemra (tocilizumab) is an injectable immunosuppressive drug used to reduce inflammation in several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and interstitial lung disease. This drug can also be used in cancer and COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms.
In the case of COVID-19, some patients may experience an excessive immune response due to exposure to the Corona virus. This condition, called a cytokine storm, can cause the lungs to become inflamed and unable to work properly. Cytokine storms usually occur in severely symptomatic or critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Examination of D-dimer and CRP in COVID-19 patients who experience an increase can be one of the markers of inflammation. Severe inflammation in the body due to a cytokine storm can interfere with the performance of various organs of the body. Without proper treatment, this condition is even at high risk of causing death.
To treat this, the doctor can give several types of drugs. One of the drugs that is now widely used to treat severe COVID-19 with a cytokine storm is Actemra.
Actemra Drug Clinical Trial Results for COVID-19
Various researches and clinical trials so far have shown that the use of the drug Actemra in COVID-19 patients, especially those with severe symptoms, is considered beneficial for reducing inflammation and damage to the lungs and other organs.
In addition, this drug can also help speed up the healing process of severe COVID-19 symptoms and prevent severe COVID-19 complications, such as respiratory failure and hypoxia.
Therefore, the Indonesian Association of Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI) recommends administering the Actemra drug for COVID-19 accompanied by severe symptoms and severe inflammation. This drug can also be given at the same time as corticosteroids.
However, the handling of severe COVID-19 symptoms cannot be treated with Actemra alone, but still requires other drugs, such as the antiviral drugs remdesivir or favipirapir, infusion therapy, and breathing assistance to increase oxygen, for example with a ventilator.
Actemra Drug Recipient Patient Criteria for COVID-19
It is important to remember that the Actemra drug cannot be used by all COVID-19 patients, especially COVID-19 patients with mild or asymptomatic symptoms.
In addition, there are several criteria for patients who may receive Actemra drugs for COVID-19, namely:
- Undergo treatment in a hospital, either in a regular inpatient ward or an intensive care unit (ICU)
- 2 years and over
- Requires supplemental oxygen through a breathing apparatus, such as a ventilator
- Do not have a history of allergies to this drug
It should also be noted that the Actemra drug is not recommended for use in COVID-19 outpatients, let alone to prevent COVID-19.
Drug Use Warning Actemra for COVID-19
Although it has been declared safe and useful for COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms, the use of Actemra still carries a risk of side effects that need to be watched out for, namely:
- Weakened immune system, which can increase the risk of secondary infections, such as bacterial, fungal, or other viral infections
- Liver function disorders, especially in patients with liver disease, such as hepatitis
- Risk of drug allergy, eg anaphylaxis. However, these side effects are relatively rare
- Other side effects include indigestion, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, increased blood pressure, and skin rashes
That is why, the use of Actemra for COVID-19 or other diseases should not be arbitrary and must be under the supervision of a doctor.
The presence of the Actemra drug for COVID-19 is one form of effort to increase the success of COVID-19 treatment, especially in cases of severe COVID-19 symptoms.
However, prevention of COVID-19 remains more important. So that you and your family avoid infection with the Corona virus, get the COVID-19 vaccine according to government recommendations and always apply health protocols, namely maintaining physical distance, washing hands regularly, wearing masks, and avoiding crowds.
If you still have questions about COVID-19, both regarding treatment and prevention, you can chat directly with the doctor in the ALODOKTER application. In this application, you can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital if you really need an in-person examination.
