The purpose of this research study is to determine if a drug called fluvoxamine can be used early in the course of the COVID-19 infection to prevent more serious complications like shortness of breath. Fluvoxamine is an anti-depressant drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The use of fluvoxamine for the treatment of COVID-19 is considered investigational, which means the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for this use. This study is fully-remote, which means that there is no face-to-face contact; study materials including study drug will be shipped to participants' houses. People around the United States and Canada can participate.
The investigators will randomize approximately 880 participants, age 30 and older, who have tested tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently experiencing mild symptoms. People around the United States and Canada can participate. All interactions for this study will be conducted remotely by videoconferencing, email, or phone. Screening: All participants will first complete a pre-screen to see if they may be eligible for the study. Once a participant is confirmed eligible and consented, the study team will send the study materials. These materials will consist of study medication and self-monitoring equipment, including an oxygen saturation monitor, blood pressure monitor, and thermometer. RCT: Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to take either fluvoxamine or a placebo. This phase of the study will last approximately 15 days and is double-blinded. Participants will take up to 100mg of fluvoxamine or placebo by mouth twice a day for a daily total of 200mg. Participants will continue this dose for approximately 15 days. Depending on tolerability, the dose may be adjusted. Participants will also complete short 5 minute assessments daily to report the results of self-monitoring (including oxygen level, blood pressure, and temperature), a shortness of breath rating and any adverse events. Follow-up Phase: The study team will follow participants for approximately 90 days after the end of the randomized phase. If needed, the study team will review medical records to determine the clinical course of participants.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
670
Up to 200mg per day (2 capsules per day) as tolerated, for approximately 15 days
Will take 2 capsules per day as tolerated for approximately 15 days
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Fred Hutchinson
Seattle, Washington, United States
McGill University Health Center
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Number of Participants With Clinical Deterioration
Defined as the number of participants who experienced the following: both of the following: 1)Presence of dyspnea and/or hospitalization for shortness of breath or pneumonia, 2)) decrease in O2 saturation (\<92% on room air) and/or supplemental oxygen requirement to keep O2 saturation ≥92%).
Time frame: RCT-approximately 15 days
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