key: cord-0920370-3b71jxr9
authors: Bennett, Jasmiry
title: COVID: Its compassionate use
date: 2020-12-02
journal: J Vasc Nurs
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2020.11.001
sha: f153dcbc144003f181101b0d56d1ce173698f1c9
doc_id: 920370
cord_uid: 3b71jxr9

nan

Editor's Perspective COVID: Its compassionate use Several months into the pandemic, one wonders what choices to make, what do we follow, and what practices do we adhere to. There are so many different messages delivered it becomes rather challenging to feel comfortable making clear sound decisions with our care and the care our families.

By now, most of us are aware the President of the United States of America, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The world is watching closely, gathering data, and deciphering the information delivered. One topic that stands out for me is "compassionate use" of therapies to treat SARS-CoV-2. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 compassionate drug use is defined utilizing an unapproved drug for a serious illness that are currently not Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved and are part of clinical trials. Most patients who are seriously ill who are unable to join clinical trials but meet criteria typically will receive treatment via compassionate use. There are a couple of ways to access treatment via compassionate use. The first method is through Expanded Access Programs (EAP). Patients can meet criteria for EAP if they have a serious and life threatening condition, are not eligible for clinical trials for the drug, have no other comparable treatment options, and are likely to have benefits that outweigh the risk. 1 In 2018, Right to Try Act was passed allowing patients access for unapproved drugs without FDA approval for life threatening diseases or conditions who have failed other treatment options. 2 Medications used to treat SARS-CoV-2 have been approved for treatment of other diseases hence these medications are currently utilized off label. As we struggle to find the magic pill, combination of pills, or vaccine to treat this virus, it is important we are knowledgeable of what can be offered to our patients that is off label, in a clinical trial, and via compassionate use. Although there is no cure for SARS-CoV2, healthcare providers are able to advocate available options dependent on the patient circumstance and eligibility. In the meantime, as the holidays are quickly approaching, we should all continue to adhere to Center for Disease Control and Prevention guideline to physically distance, hand wash, and wear a mask. Jasmiry Bennett, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, Editor-in-Chief

Compassionate drug use: What is compassionate drug use

Food and Drug Administration