The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has warned Nigerians against the use of Dexamethasone, a low-dose steroid, for the treatment of COVID-19.
The health agency made this known in a series of tweets on its official twitter handle on Tuesday. The NCDC noted that the federal government has not validated nor approved the drug for treatment.
It added that the drug which is used to treat rheumatic problems, skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, among others has also not been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The NCDC m however, said it is aware of ongoing clinical trials conducted by scientists in the UK and will work with NAFDAC to evaluate the emerging data on the use of the drug.
“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is aware of recent outcomes from a UK-Government funded clinical trial for COVID-19.
“The results support the use of Dexamethasone as a possible treatment to reduce the risk of death among COVID-19 patients, who require oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
“Please note that the Government of Nigeria has not validated or approved any treatment for COVID-19. “In addition, the use of Dexamethasone for COVID-19 treatment has not been validated by WHO.
“We are aware of ongoing clinical trials conducted by scientists in the UK and will work with our sister agencies to evaluate this emerging data on the use of Dexamethasone.
“We will inform the general public on outcomes following scientific review and validation.”
