Drugs that are Problematic Regarding Covid-19

Acid-blocking Heartburn / GERD drugs – Acid-blocking drugs are designed to suppress an important component of digestion and immune function—stomach acid. (Acid itself is not the problem, it is just getting somewhere it doesn’t belong.) The 24-hour acting proton pump inhibitors are the most dangerous. As I discuss in my book, Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagament, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments, there are many serious side effects to using these drugs for an extended time, including an increased risk of pneumonia—Study. Recently, a large review of studies showed that use of these drugs is also associated with higher risk of chronic kidney disease. Hmmm, Kidney disease now tops the list of making people more likely to be hospitalized with covid-19!

Antibiotics. Since antibiotics only work against bacteria, NOT viruses, it is unwise to take them unless the doctor can give you a very good reason. The reason most often discussed is that the patient is in such bad shape that he or she is susceptible to a secondary infection which may be bacterial. At that point you and the doc must carefully weigh the risk/benefit analysis. Besides killing off your immune-protecting good bacteria, overuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic-resistance which means they may not work when they could be lifesaving.  There are covid-19 experiments being conducted with Zithromax (Z-Pak) antibiotic along with hydroxychloroquine  (the malaria drug). I am concerned because that class of antibiotics is suspected of increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease which is #2 on the list of risks for a more severe case of covid-19. Study

Aspirin. We’ve known for a long time that NSAIDS like ibuprofen and aspirin can cause sometimes lethal internal bleeding.  (See Ibuprofen next) Besides, remember unless it gets too high, (over 104 for adults) a fever is part of the body’s defenses. In fact, one study showed that lowering fever with drugs raised the risk of dying from influenza by 5%.  Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Jay Hoecker advised, “don’t give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger. Aspirin has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal illness.”

Ibuprofen?  Some health authorities, e.g. French doctors, have observed that Ibuprofen (i.e. Advil) and other anti-inflammatories seem to worsen coronavirus effects. Understandably, the pharmaceutical industry is pushing back on that idea and suppressing discussion of the topic.  If possible, I say don’t use ibuprofen until we know for sure. Acetaminophen, (Tylenol) is an alternative, but be careful because it can make some liver conditions worse.

Immune-modulating medications such as immunosuppressive steroids and drugs for autoimmune diseases and transplants, but also chemotherapeutic agents and biologicals such as Humira and Enbrel, and many of the newer anti-diabetic medications (like the once a week insulin drugs) may all diminish immune response .

Psychiatric drugs. This journal article says that “there is here is growing evidence that antipsychotic treatment is an important risk factor for the development of pneumonia, both in geriatric and in younger populations.^” However, DO NOT EVER SUDDENLY STOP ANY PSYCH MEDICATION. Work with your doctor to wean off very slowly to avoid potentially life ending reactions.

All drugs? Virtually all medications are hard on our detox systems and our beneficial gut bacteria (where 60% of our immune function is). So, it is smart to at least make sure you supplement with probiotics. It will be no surprise that I recommend Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. Also check out two other formulas from Essential Formulas that would be good any time but especially right now. Reg’Activ Immune & Vitality and Reg’Activ Detox & Liver Health