The First Thing

Numerous clinical tests of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment are underway or will be enrolling soon. THE GLOBE Health Organization’s large international SOLIDARITY trial will look at both of these drugs along with Kaletra (by themselves or in combination with interferon-beta) and Gilead Sciences’ experimental antiviral remdesivir. Researchers and clinicians rely on the type of research identified above to make educated and safe tips for patient health care. We will usually use our patients to optimize their condition and will suggest alternative medications to keep them healthy. Since the above study was published, additional, stronger drugs have become available, and these have been added to medication regimens to accomplish better control of lupus and RA than ever before.

The Second Thing

A year ago, infectious disease doctor Christine Johnston was leading a report on the use of hydroxychloroquine for the procedure of folks with COVID-19. The Lancet retracted the Surgisphere paper-which experienced the confounding effect of making hydroxychloroquine appear good to its proponents, like the leader of the United States. Matthews, the White House spokesperson, cited the retracted newspaper to me as an example of “misleading studies out there which were heavily touted by the press.” Yet, as a capper, the FDA revoked the disaster use specialist for the medication.

The Third Thing

Consider using resources available to determine a patient’s threat of QT prolongation and mortality. Patients taking hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for FDA-approved indications to treat malaria or autoimmune conditions should continue taking their drugs as approved. The great things about these medicines outweigh the potential risks at the recommended doses for these conditions.