The CDC is reminding clinicians that corticosteroids and antibiotics are usually not recommended for outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
In an April 25 health advisory, the agency cited data suggesting there has been increasing use of these drugs to treat COVID-19 patients in outpatient settings.
Only patients who require supplemental oxygen should receive steroids, though those who are taking the drug for another health issue may continue treatment, the CDC said. Antibiotics should only be given if the patient has a coinfection.
"These drugs can cause harm and provide no demonstrated benefit in patients with COVID-19 with no supplemental oxygen requirement or bacterial coinfection," the agency said.
View the full health advisory here.