Initial Thoughts
As there is no FDA-approved treatment for long Covid, this is a bit of a milestone, now that we’re more than six years into this. While chronic fatigue is the primary objective, they are also tracking a handful of other symptoms and their reactions to the drug. For more information if you are interested in reading about it or joining the trial, go here: https://longcovid.scripps.edu
It has been six years for many suffering from long Covid with merely treating our symptoms as best they can. This has been my experience for months, typically bringing in medical journals to my doctors and saying, Hey, this could help and isn’t likely to hurt. One example of this is the Yale study on Guanfacine and NAC to treat brain fog (https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/long-covid-brain-fog-treatment).
The blind drug trial is for a GLP-1, tirzepatide, or a placebo. Both play a critical part of the process for research. For me, this means a different approach to treatment. Historically, I would try something for 1 month (try very hard to only change one thing at a time!), and either continue on after or abandon the treatment. I decided to go ahead with this trial after being approved, with the understanding that I will continue treatment until the study’s end or if the side effects become too severe.
What is a GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1)?
Rough estimates are that 1 in 8 Americans is on a GLP-1 drug. It is approved to treat type 2 diabetes and can aid in weight loss. More info on the history and science here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucagon-like_peptide-1.
There are some bodily regulatory improvements that may occur to various systems in the body, which could benefit long covid patients.
I know a few people on this personally for weight loss and diabetes management. I am a little concerned about the side effects, such as GI upset and weight loss, myself. Likewise, I am thinking big picture, though, and am going into it with an open mind, whether it is a placebo or medication.
Designed with long covid sufferers in mind
The driver behind the drug trial is Julia Moore Vogel, who has been suffering herself from long Covid. Everything is done via telehealth and shipping. Self blood draws are optional, which I intend to do. As someone with high fatigue from long covid, it is something that I appreciate—and I’m sure many others who are more severe would too.
Final thoughts
I have not yet started the drug portion yet; however, the scale and wearable were sent after completing various surveys on the study portal. The package comes with directions and is relatively easy to set everything up. As it appears they support Fitbit,which I’ve already been using for pacing, I will use that wearable, along with their GE scale.
Even if it is the placebo, being a part of helping is huge for me. I hope that someday, there will be a treatment that hits some of the worst symptoms by more adequate means.
As this progresses, I will post updates here, under the tags #tirzepatide and #drug_trial