Steroid drug dexamethasone approved to treat virus patients

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The health ministry has approved the steroid drug dexamethasone for treating COVID-19 patients after it proved effective in a British clinical trial.

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Dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory medication, is the second added to the ministry’s treatment guidebook for the novel coronavirus by July 21 following the antiviral drug remdesivir, which was approved in May. 

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In June, Oxford University in Britain announced that dexamethasone reduced the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients showing severe symptoms in a clinical trial. 

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Since dexamethasone is an approved drug for treating severe infectious diseases, including the new coronavirus, a new approval procedure is unnecessary, according to health officials.

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With the health ministry’s approval, more medical staff may utilize the steroid drug in their treatment of COVID-19 patients.

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Currently, when drugs are used to treat patients with the new coronavirus, the medical treatment costs are covered by the government.

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