The main drugs that make up the so-called Covid kit remained high in 2021, with sales that represent more than double the amount recorded in the pre-pandemic period.
The kit is composed of drugs prescribed for other purposes and, even without being effective against the new coronavirus, their use was encouraged, among others, by President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) and his allies.
There were 97 million units of chloroquine, ivermectin, nitazoxanide and azithromycin sold in 2021, a slight decrease compared to 2020 (102 million), but more than double the period before the pandemic, in 2019, which registered sales of 40 million of units.
Ivermectin (vermifuge), for example, remained among the ten best-selling drugs in February 2022. It did not appear in the rankings before the pandemic.
The data obtained by Sheet are from the CFF (Federal Council of Pharmacy) and take into account the units sold in pharmacies.
Wellington Barros da Silva, a professor at the Federal University of Sergipe and consultant to the CFF, said that the level of consumption is still high precisely because of Covid-19 and that before the pandemic, ivermectin had never even entered the list of the hundred best-selling drugs. from Brazil.
He highlights, however, the 5% drop in 2021 compared to 2020.
“It did not reach the pre-pandemic level because the number of Covid-19 cases in the country is still considered high. Even so, there was a reduction in consumption that accompanies the number of cases, vaccination coverage. scientific societies, which does not recommend these drugs for Covid,” he said.
In January, the Ministry of Health blocked the publication of a guideline prepared by experts that contraindicated the use of the Covid kit in the SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde). The text would not have the power to prohibit doctors from using the Covid kit, but it would represent a stain on the denialist banners of the Bolsonaro government, as it would be a Health orientation contrary to the so-called early treatment, that is, the use of ineffective medicines.
There was an appeal, which is being analyzed by the Minister of Health, Marcelo Queiroga, who has avoided giving concrete statements on this issue.
THE Sheet asked Health about Queiroga’s position on the subject, what are the recommendations of the folder in relation to the use of the Covid kit and when there will be an analysis of the resource. The ministry did not answer any of the questions and only said that the appeal remains under review.
As the Panel column showed, amid the lack of beds and oxygen for patients with Covid-19 in Manaus, the Ministry of Health set up in January 2021 a task force of doctors who advocated the so-called “early treatment” of Covid-19. to visit Basic Health Units in the Amazon capital.
In an interview with Sheet in February of this year, the until then president of Conass (National Council of Health Secretaries), Carlos Lula, said that there were still doctors who prescribed the Covid kit in the SUS.
“It’s a type of absurd behavior, but it exists. Of course, with much less intensity, but they still prescribe”, he said.
Studies have shown over time the ineffectiveness of these drugs. Recent results with hydroxychloroquine (prescription drug for malaria prevention) in outpatients with mild or moderate cases of Covid-19 at the beginning of the infection have not been effective in reducing hospitalizations for complications of the disease.
The study was carried out with 1,372 people with Covid or a strong suspicion of infection by the disease and had the participation of 56 Brazilian research centers.
Another study showed that ivermectin does not work against Covid. The results show that the antiparasitic does not reduce the risk of hospitalization, does not increase the speed of recovery, does not reduce time in hospital or risk of death.
The survey was carried out in partnership with public health authorities from 12 cities in Brazil and involved more than 3,000 people. It was published in NEJM (The New England Journal of Medicine) on March 30 this year.
In the Senate, Queiroga also said that his attention is focused on the new drugs that are being approved by Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency). The Ministry of Health approved the use of baricitinib as the first drug against Covid to be incorporated into the SUS.
According to the ordinance, the drug, known as Olumiant, is indicated for the treatment of Covid in hospitalized adult patients who need oxygen by mask or nasal catheter, or who need high flow of oxygen or non-invasive ventilation.
The government has not yet released an estimate of how many patients should receive the product and what the price should be for purchasing the drug.
Chad-98Weaver, a distinguished author at NewsBulletin247, excels in the craft of article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a penchant for storytelling, Chad delivers informative and engaging content that resonates with readers across various subjects. His contributions are a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of journalism.
