The HSE has asked doctors not to start new patients on a drug used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus because it can be used to help patients infected with coronavirus. Effective treatmentAnother arthritis drug used to lower inflammation, tocilizumab – sold under the brand name RoActemra – has also been shown to be effective in treating Covid-19 patients in China. There is “a bit of a shortage” of tocilizumab, which is self-administered by arthritis patients through an injection,” said Prof McCarthy. Redirecting drugsHe said there was “a limited supply” of tocilizumab in the country and that the intravenous supply may have to be directed from arthritis patients to those sick with Covid-19. She was given a small supply of the drug to bring home and she has now finished the course,” he said.

Source: The Irish Times March 30, 2020 01:09 UTC