TEMPO.CO, Bandung - An internist at Bandung Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Yana Akhmad Supriatna, called on the public to be cautious on circulating information regarding the five drugs said to be for COVID-19 treatment that could be purchased without a doctor's prescription.

“There are drugs that are not freely sold and have certain indications,” said Yana, who is also the hospital’s Director of Medical, Nursing, and Supporting Services on Friday, June 25.

Information circulating on social media suggests that people infected with the coronavirus disease do not need to panic and go to the hospital if they do not develop severe symptoms such as shortness of breath because all hospitals have been full.

The information notes five drugs claimed to be doctor’s prescription and used at the Wisma Atlet COVID-19 Emergency Hospital. They are Azithromycin 500 mg 10 tablets as an antibiotic taken once a day, Favipiravir or Avigan 600 mg 10 tablets as an antiviral taken twice a day, antioxidants, and drugs for cough, inflammation, and fever.

Yana asserted that the use of medicine must be under the supervision of a doctor. The drugs must be based on the symptoms and complaints felt by patients. Besides, the information stated inappropriate use of drugs.

“Such as Avigan, it must not be consumed twice but there should be an initial dose,” he said, adding that not all COVID patients were given anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids.

Consuming drugs without a doctor’s prescription can affect the body. Yana further underlined that there had been no specific drug for COVID-19 to date. Thus, people developing symptoms related to the disease are suggested to see a doctor.

Read: Govt Converts Emergency Units at Jakarta Hospitals into COVID-19 Isolation Rooms

ANWAR SISWADI (CONTRIBUTOR)