Amantadine - the series of mistakes

First error: media published information on the use of amantadine in COVID-19. Unfortunately, the media has not reported that there is no evidence or any indication that amantadine may be effective in treating COVID-19. The health effects are very serious. People who are enthusiastic about this drug do not get vaccinated because they take amantadine, go into hospital in serious condition and die of COVID-19.

Second mistake: no action was taken against a doctor from Przemyśl who uses amantadine outside of the approved indications and contrary to evidence-based medicine scientific research (EBM).

Third error: Deputy Minister Warchoł applied to the Minister of Health to conduct a clinical trial on amantadine. Unfortunately, Minister Niedzielski was not assertive because he commissioned the Medical Research Agency to finance a clinical trial. Poland is the only country in which a clinical trial is currently underway for amantadine in the treatment of COVID-19.

Fourth error: The Minister of Health issued an announcement on the prescription and dispensing of the Viregyt K medicinal product, in which he informs that the above drug may be prescribed and issued only in strictly defined disease entities (Parkinson's disease and syndrome, tardive dyskinesia in adults). In addition: "Products placed on the market in foreign-language packaging and other products on the market containing amantadine may be prescribed by a doctor in all registration indications and beyond these indications, in accordance with the current medical knowledge and may be dispensed from a pharmacy without restrictions resulting from of the above announcement. " It is amazing that the Minister of Health in one announcement recommends limiting the use of Viregyt K and at the same time advises: other drugs containing amantadine can be used without restrictions.

Fifth error: On February 11, 2022, during a press conference, the Ombudsman for Patients' Rights (RPP) stated that "there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of amantadine in the treatment of COVID-19. Hence, I issued a decision that the use of this drug in covid patients by the Optima facility in Przemyśl violates the patient's collective rights to treatment in accordance with current medical knowledge. " If the MPC thinks it is a sufficient action, it was wrong. First of all, it is not the Optima facility that uses this drug, but a doctor whose personal details are widely known. Secondly, what about doctors from all over Poland who issue prescriptions for amantadine contrary to the registered indications?

Sixth error: On February 11, the president of URPL posted on Twitter "A sad day for all enthusiasts of using amantadine to treat COVID-19. Roma locuta, causa finita. " This is another embarrassment because, first of all, the case is not closed. Second, the president of URPL did nothing about amantadine. Thirdly, the MPC decision is far from sufficient and proves the helplessness and helplessness of people and institutions responsible for drug safety. It should be emphasized that earlier the president of URPL discredited himself regarding a new indication for the drug Arechin (chloroquine), which was groundless and incorrect.

Things have gone so negative about amantadine that exceptional action is required. It should be emphasized that in formal terms, the announcement of the minister of health concerning the drug Viregyt K has the same legal force as the weather announcement. Therefore, in consultation with the President of the Supreme Medical Chamber and the Supreme Ombudsman for Professional Responsibility, the Minister of Health should issue an appropriate regulation or order prohibiting prescription for amantadine with full payment and beyond the registered indications. This document should also indicate the sanction for non-compliance with the rules contained therein.

In addition, it would be useful to establish a list of all doctors in Poland who prescribe prescriptions for amantadine. Then the Professional Liability Officer could send a relevant letter.

MSc farm. Walenty Zajdel