Community Chat

[GrailSeeker]

CNN just reported this.   

FDA issues emergency authorization of anti-malaria drug for coronavirus care.

Politico also reporting. 

[Kachina624]

Probably won't hurt except for nasty side-effects, but I bet it doesn't help.

[lianne]

My sister's friends husband was given chloroquine to trial because he tested positive. He is now in the hospital on a ventilator 

[tucsongal]

I hope steps are put into place to protect those who rely on the medication for known benefits. Unfortunately I’m skeptical.

[GrailSeeker]

I can't find any other verifications on other news outlets about this.  It was a short blurb on CNN.  They stated that the benefits appear to outweight the risks.

[Boomerdotty]

Hi All - I know a family of 6 who tested positive week before last.  The mother was tested  on Thursday and she tested positive.  Her three kids, along with her parents, were also tested after her results came back (she lives with her parents). All came up positive except her dad.  She works in a nursing home and thankfully all her coworkers and the residents came up negative. All of them had no symptoms whatsoever. The following Monday her son reported loss of taste. On Tuesday evening, her mom had to be rushed to the hospital.  She was ventilated, doing better and sent home the following evening.  She had to be rushed back yesterday due to breathing difficulties. The family was asking for prayers.  Here's her update from earlier today:

The doctors have been giving her hydroxychloroquine since 6PM last night. They will continue with this treatment. He said so far there are no complications related to her COPD or chronic bronchitis. All good news. Please keep her in your prayers. Hopefully many other people suffering the effects of this devil will find hope in this drug treatment. Pray for all those suffering and of course my mommy xx

Today, she was out of bed and sitting in a chair having lunch.  Maybe this drug helps some and not others?  I think a number of other countries are also testing its use. I read today it's used to treat other ailments besides malaria. The rest of the family have developed minor symptoms this week.  Her dad remains in the house isolated from the rest of the family.

[lovesrecess]

No drug works for everyone. All drugs can have side effects. This new approval by the FDA is not saying it is guaranteed to save the lives of everyone who contracts this virus, but it is certainly worth trying it if your condition is deteriorating and you are unable to fight it off any longer. I can’t imagine anyone objecting to this drug if it has the potential to save a life.

[Kalli]

With regard to Coronavirus and Covid19, It’s my understanding that hydroxychloroquine is given with Z pac (Zithromax). 

[Hoovermom]

That is awesome news.  Hope springs eternal.

[Isobel Archer]

I wonder if it is already showing results.  According to Worldometers which updates constantly and daily according to GMT  -  yesterday Mar 29 the U.S. had 264 deaths - which was about half of the deaths the day before, Mar 28  -  525.  The death rate had been increasing daily and this is the first drop.

Of course one day is  not much to go on, but it may be an encouraging sign.

I certainly hope so.