Sales of amantadine are growing rapidly. Even a veterinarian can give you a prescription

So far, no one has confirmed the effectiveness of amantadine in the treatment of COVID-19, although such studies are carried out by various centers, also in Poland. However, despite this fact, sales of this drug in Poland increased sharply this year, especially in Podkarpacie, which is indicated by the data of PEX PharmaSequence – a research company dealing with the healthcare market, made available to Gazeta Wyborcza.

1. Amantadine is a drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It has been popular for several months in the context of COVID-19 treatment
2. In Poland, there are studies on the effectiveness of amantadine in the treatment of coronavirus, but so far there are no clear results confirming the sense of using this preparation
3. Even so, sales of amantadine are growing rapidly. Everything indicates that it may be up to four times higher this year than in 2019.
4. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

According to information from the research company, in the period from January to the end of October 2021, almost 65 cars were sold in Podkarpacie. amantadine packaging. For comparison, in the whole of 2019, less than 118 thousand. the packs of this medicine. The interest in this preparation began to grow dynamically in October last year, and the next peak in sales took place in the spring of 2021, i.e. during the next wave of diseases. From 1 to 23 November, over 47 were sold. packaging, and sales throughout 2021 have already exceeded 400 thousand.

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1. Coverage of the COVID-19 coronavirus [MAP update 26.11.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX]

Amantadyna with COVID-19?

Amantadine has been known for years as a drug for Parkinson’s disease and the so-called parkinsonian syndromes, i.e. stiffness, tremors, hypokinesia and akinesia. The amine contained in it facilitates the release of dopamine in the body and thus reduces tremors, i.e. the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Amantadine is also used in the fight against the influenza A virus and disturbances of wakefulness and state of consciousness of various etiologies.

For some time now, amantadine has also been heard in the context of the coronavirus. Currently, clinical trials are conducted in Poland to assess the effectiveness of amantadine in the treatment of COVID-19. Why exactly amantadine? Adamantane derivatives, including amantadine, rimantadine and tromantadine, have antiviral activity. Amantadine and rimantadine interfere with the replication cycle of influenza A virus, but have no activity against influenza B. Tromantadine has a virostatic effect, especially against herpes and herpes zoster viruses.

So far, studies – conducted in approximately 20 Polish centers with the participation of 50 patients – do not provide a clear answer as to the effectiveness of this drug. Experts from abroad have also not confirmed his actions.

1. What about amantadine? It will not be a life-saving drug

– No scientific society in the world mentions this drug in its recommendations. We only did it, but we are listing it only to remind you that there are no reports yet that would confirm its effectiveness – told Gazeta Wyborcza, prof. Robert Flisiak, president of the Polish Society of Epidemiologists and Doctors of Infectious Diseases.

Sales of amantadine are increasing. Expert: This is a disturbing phenomenon

However, even among doctors there are many supporters of amantadine and theories that it can help patients with coronavirus. This is evidenced by the already mentioned increase in sales. Interest in the drug is not diminished by the fact that it is available on prescription. You can even buy it online or get it from a vet.

– There are doctors who really believe in its operation. Others prescribe it because patients insist on it – says Marek Tomków, vice-president of the Supreme Pharmaceutical Chamber, quoted by «GW». He also adds that since you can even get a prescription for drugs on the Internet, obtaining amantadine in this way is certainly not a problem.

1. Does the government listen to the Medical Council? Prof. Flisiak answers

Prof. Flisiak believes that this is a very disturbing phenomenon, also in terms of the development of the pandemic. – Such a large increase in amantadine sales indicates that many people are using it on their own. We observe that patients more and more often delay the moment of reporting the symptoms of COVID-19 to the doctor and for the test. This is why we now have patients with more severe disease who require longer hospitalization – says prof. Robert Flisiak.

According to Rynek Zdrowia, the effectiveness of amantadine in the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, financed by the Medical Research Agency, is still ongoing. The research is carried out under two projects. One of them is carried out by the Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4 in Lublin. The second examination takes place at the Upper Silesian Medical Center.

«At the moment, the studies do not provide a clear answer as to whether the drug is effective or not. Full test results will be available after the end of the study, i.e. in the second quarter of 2022. » – the Ministry of Health informed in response to a question from the Rynek Zdrowia portal.

Also read:

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2. A plant substance has been discovered that inhibits the coronavirus. And this in all variants
3. Pills that reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19. How do they work?

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