A six-month-old baby in Thailand has experienced an unusual side effect of the covid vaccine: a change in eye color from dark brown to bright blue. Here’s the full story.
Infant’s Eyes Turn Bright Blue After COVID-19 Treatment
Bangkok, Thailand: An infant boy, only six months old, experienced a dramatic side effect after being administered the antiviral drug favipiravir to treat his COVID-19 infection – his previously dark brown eyes transformed into a bright blue overnight.
Favipiravir
The child, whose identity remains undisclosed, was prescribed favipiravir, a medication typically used to combat influenza and the Ebola virus.
The Antiviral Drug Administered for COVID-19 Treatment
During the pandemic, various countries across Europe and Asia administered this drug as an alternate therapy for COVID-19, though the United States refrained from approving its use.
Fluorescent Chemical Release
Medical professionals attending to the baby in Bangkok have theorized that the drug prompted the release of a fluorescent chemical, which subsequently accumulated within the boy’s corneas, leading to a drastic color shift.
Infant’s Eyes Shifted from Brown to Blue in 18 Hours
Remarkably, just 18 hours post-treatment, the infant’s eye color transitioned. However, the blue hue eventually receded, reverting to its original brown shade five days after stopping the medication.
The Many Side Effects
Within Thailand, children diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus are typically administered favipiravir.
Side effects commonly associated with this drug include heightened uric acid levels within the system, diarrhea, and a reduced white blood cell count, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the reported consequences.
Global Usage
Globally, the drug has received approval in countries such as Japan, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Moldova, and Kazakhstan. Italy also provided its emergency-use sanction in 2020.
The FDA’s Stance on Favipiravir
Despite the US initiating trials in April 2020 at medical establishments like Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t given the nod for favipiravir’s deployment.
Details of the Infant’s Treatment
Details of this intriguing incident were published in April 2023. Records indicate that the child was initially given an 82-milligram dose, following which, less than a day later, the mother observed the sudden shift in her baby’s eye color.
No other body parts, such as nails, skin, or mucosa of the mouth and nose, displayed any bluish pigmentation.
Rapid Eye Examination
Following an eye examination after the drug’s treatment the patient “was able to fix and follow the light in all directions.”
Medications and Eye Color
Interestingly, numerous medications have the potential to influence eye color, including antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and blood thinners.
Permanent Iris Darkening
Prostaglandins, a category of medication employed for glaucoma treatment, can permanently darken the iris.
A Rare Anomaly
This isn’t the first time a patient has demonstrated such an anomaly. A 2021 publication highlighted the story of a 20-year-old man from India who experienced an identical transformation in his eye color after being administered favipiravir.
Within two days of his treatment, his eyes became a deep blue tone, only to revert to their original brown once the medication ceased. Doctors attending to this case were quick to associate the unique bluish corneal tint with the drug, advising its immediate discontinuation.
Medical Community’s Concerns
Following this instance, a team of specialists from Medicine Healthway Hospitals in India took the initiative to delve into available literature, seeking similar incidents.
Indian Research Initiative
Their research determined that the young Indian man’s case was indeed the first instance of favipiravir prompting such an eye color alteration.
Uncharted Territory
With two cases now documented, questions surrounding the side effects of the drug, its benefits versus risks, and further implications on the human body have been reignited.
Monitoring Future Developments
Medical communities globally will be keenly observing any future developments associated with favipiravir treatment.
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The post The Covid Vaccine That Could Affect YOUR Kid’s Eyesight! The Most Jaw-Dropping Side Effect Yet! first appeared on Mama Say What?!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story
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