With SMH Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Manager Dr. Jamie Kisgen
The amount of COVID-19 information being published online and broadcast on TV/radio can be overwhelming — as can the staggering amount of misinformation making its way into newsfeeds.
To get the facts about an alleged COVID-19 treatment that was recently touted in some national media, Healthe-Matters editors reached out to Dr. Jamie Kisgen, Sarasota Memorial’s Infectious Diseases Pharmacy manager.
Is Inhaled Budesonide Really Effective?
I saw a news story online with a Texas doctor who said inhaled steroids are a good option for treating COVID-19. Can you offer any insight on whether using a Budesonide inhaler or nebulizer is an effective way to treat COVID-19 — whether at home or in the hospital? ~ Ken H.
To date, there is no clear scientific evidence that Budesonide, or any other inhaled steroid, has any efficacy for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Until we have more data, I would not recommend using these therapies outside of a clinical trial setting. (I encourage you to also check out a related article published on the Centre for Evidence-based Medicine website; click here to view it.)
Patients who are currently prescribed inhaled steroids for the treatment of chronic respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD, etc.) should continue to use them under the guidance of their physician.
(Click here to view a previous Q&A with Dr. Kisgen, where he addresses additional frequently asked questions about medications for patients with COVID-19.)
Dr. Jamie Kisgen, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, is the pharmacy manager of Infectious Diseases Services at Sarasota Memorial and leads the PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency Program. His responsibilities include co-directing the Antibiotic Stewardship Program, providing staff education, research, and precepting pharmacy students and residents.