Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
ADVT 
National

Clinicians advised to limit use of COVID drug

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Apr, 2021 08:27 PM
  • Clinicians advised to limit use of COVID drug

An expert group is recommending that Ontario clinicians ration doses of a drug used to treat COVID-19 patients in light of shortages.

The group of scientists advising Ontario on the pandemic published revised clinical guidelines this week reflecting the shortage of tocilizumab.

The COVID-19 science advisory table says the drug is recommended for critically and moderately ill COVID-19 patients within 14 days of hospital admission.

This week the group’s guidance was updated to recommend a fixed dose of 400 milligrams per patient and no second dose.

Dr. Peter Juni of the science table says the change is unlikely to impact patients' treatment but it was recommended so the maximum number of people can benefit.

Their advice comes as Ontario hospitals grapple with higher-than-ever numbers of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units.

MORE National ARTICLES

Nearly 1 million in B.C. have gotten COVID-19 shot

Nearly 1 million in B.C. have gotten COVID-19 shot
A joint statement from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix says 946,096 doses of the three vaccines have been administered, and of those, more than 87,000 were second doses.

Nearly 1 million in B.C. have gotten COVID-19 shot

997 COVID19 cases for Wednesday

997 COVID19 cases for Wednesday
There are currently 3,766 confirmed COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern in our province.

997 COVID19 cases for Wednesday

Officers discover party in downtown apartment

Officers discover party in downtown apartment
Numerous violation tickets were issued to the party-goers, including a $2,300 fine for the party host.

Officers discover party in downtown apartment

B.C. traffic stops not done by police impersonator

B.C. traffic stops not done by police impersonator
Police say a review of each incident allowed investigators to determine the four stops were carried out by a traffic enforcement officer who was on duty, dressed in uniform and operating an unmarked SUV.

B.C. traffic stops not done by police impersonator

B.C. under-reporting COVID-19 variants: experts

B.C. under-reporting COVID-19 variants: experts
Sarah Otto, a University of British Columbia professor who has done COVID-19 modelling, said the province's reliance on time-consuming whole-genome sequencing to confirm variant cases is not necessary.

B.C. under-reporting COVID-19 variants: experts

Vancouver expands overdose response team

Vancouver expands overdose response team
Mayor Kennedy Stewart says a "very important" pilot program that paired firefighters with staff from Vancouver Coastal Health will stay in place to help people break the cycle of overdoses by connecting them with support services.

Vancouver expands overdose response team