For a brief and shining moment, it looked like Big Pharma really wanted to do the right thing and help us out of this coronavirus mess.
They made sure the world knew that they had their BEST minds working on a QUICK solution to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
But now, their true colors are starting to shine through. And for some of them the most prominent shade is GREEN as they try to exploit this crisis to make a quick buck off your misery.
You see, they’re not simply working on new and safe options to treat this infection. They’re trying to throw just about every one of their EXISTING drugs for everything else at coronavirus patients to see what sticks.
And in far too many cases that even includes drugs that appear to make very little sense to test. It’s as if they’re trying to score a beancounter’s ultimate two-fer. You know, a top-selling “new” drug that requires almost no new spending in research and development.
But an alarming new report exposes the ugly truth about that rush for profits. They could put coronavirus patients at risk in ways that never should happen.
In fact, in one case even mainstream medicine insiders are raising concerns according to a leading online news provider for medical professionals Medscape.
Drug side effect could be an unnecessary risk
Some patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 are being put onto the diabetes drug dapagliflozin (aka Farxiga) for a study. The hope is it can cut the risk of the infection progressing.
This is a VERY important goal, since many folks start out with a “mild to moderate” case of the coronavirus and some even appear to recover before the disease takes a terrible turn towards the tragic. Stopping that sequence could be a game-changer.
But experts told Medscape that this drug is the WRONG way to do it. And they’re even URGING doctors to pull out of this trial, as these meds could lead to a potentially deadly complication called diabetic ketoacidosis.
This condition is a medical emergency. The body cranks out too many ketones, which causes insulin levels to sink dangerously low. Because one of the hallmarks is confusion, people who suffer from it may not even realize they need help.
At least THREE organizations have called on doctors not to give ANY drug in this class experimentally to patients with the COVID-19 coronavirus. They say that they are worried that the stress of the infection could even INCREASE the risk of that ketoacidosis.
Follow the money behind coronavirus studies
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that one of the main funders of this study is the drug’s maker. Which means they could end up earning a lot of cash off this move if it pays off.
But who knows how many folks could end up getting hurt in the gamble. Because let’s face it, when you’re desperately sick… especially with an illness that has no known cure such as the coronavirus…. it can feel like you don’t have a lot of options.
So if you’re asked to participate in a study like this one you’re likely to jump at the chance. “What’ve I got to lose?” you think and sign on the dotted line.
But it turns out in some cases, like this one, you potentially could lose PLENTY. And that includes even your life if the drug side effects kick in.
I’d never try to tell you to say yes or no to any offered unapproved off-label therapy or experimental treatment. That’s between you and your doctor. And in some cases it could absolutely be the best choice for you.
But I AM going to leave you with THIS food for thought. Don’t automatically say YES because you’re desperate, since that’s what they’re (literally) banking on.
Ask WHY they think it’ll work, WHAT the benefits could be, WHAT the risks are and HOW they plan to protect you and minimize those risks. Then, and ONLY then, can you make the best decision based on information rather than desperation.
Latest posts by Alice Jacob (see all)
- The SUNSHINE solution for coronavirus blues - June 5, 2020
- Could you get coronavirus from a MOSQUITO bite? - June 5, 2020
- How to turn your brain “10 YEARS younger” - June 4, 2020
Leave a Comment