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U.S. FDA Warns Against Using Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19

Reuters Staff  |  

Within hours of Trump’s initial endorsement on March 19, pharmaceutical supply chain experts reported shortages as doctors began prescribing HCQ for themselves and their families. Patients have also pressured doctors to use the therapies.

Rick Bright, the ousted director of a U.S. agency charged with developing drugs to fight the pandemic, said he was dismissed because he called for careful vetting of the therapies.

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References

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Drug safety and availability: FDA cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems. 2020 Apr 24.
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. News release: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA reiterates importance of close patient supervision for off-label use of anti-malarial drugs to mitigate known risks, including heart rhythm problems. 2020 Apr 24.

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