Community Chat

[Isobel Archer]

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@GrailSeeker wrote:

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@JaneMarple wrote:

I haven't read anything about FDA approval but only experimental usage. I happen to take plaquenil without any side effects. so am I safe from the virus? Don't know but as for now I'm still going to take the same precautions set by the medical experts.

Another question I have is what is the criteria about using this drug? Too many people getting diagnosed with Covid-19 dying within days of falling ill. How do they know when to prescribe it?

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From my reading, it was the observance that those on plaquenil were not getting COVID-19 that prompted the experimental usage, so it does appear that it can be used as a preventative, as far as the time frame for prescribing.

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I saw a doctor on the news who reported he, personally, was using it as a preventttive and had also prescribed it for other medical personnel.

[GrailSeeker]

According to this website there is no shortage of hydroxychloroquine.  If you have been told you cannot refill your prescription, it may be due to your state's board of pharmacy or governor. 

"There are several manufacturers in the market at this time," a spokesperson for drug company Sandoz told our Verify researchers. "We are in discussion with FDA and HHS on what requirements, if any, are being requested of manufacturers of this product."

In a press release pharmaceutical company Mylan said they have ramped up production on the drug:

"Mylan expects to be in a position to begin supplying product by mid-April, and with the active pharmaceutical ingredient that we currently have available, will be able to ramp up manufacturing to provide 50 million tablets to potentially treat a total of more than 1.5 million patients.The potential use of this medicine for COVID-19 related treatment is pending additional FDA and other regulatory body guidance."

On top of that companies like Teva and Novartis say they’ll donate millions of doses to support the COVID-19 response.

"Novartis Sandoz division currently only holds a registration for hydroxychloroquine in the U.S., and will pursue appropriate regulatory authorizations from the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency," the company wrote. "Novartis will work with stakeholders including the World Health Organization to determine the best distribution of the medicine to ensure broad access to patients most in need of this medicine globally." 

Health officials across the DMV tell us they’re not aware of any shortage. The drug isn’t listed on the FDA’s drug shortages database, either.

Local pharmacies chains tell us their keeping their ear to the ground.

"We are closely monitoring the global pharmaceutical manufacturing environment and working with our suppliers... for hydroxychloroquine specifically, we have adequate supply on-hand and are taking all necessary steps to remain in-stock," a CVS spokesperson said.

So, we can Verify, right now there’s no shortage of hydroxychloroquine products in D.C, Maryland and Virginia.

Some state boards of pharmacy and governors have taken action to issue temporary rules to restrict dispensing the drug, according to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. 

They say some state board of pharmacies are asking pharmacists to “exercise professional judgement in dispensing this drug to those who have a medically appropriate reason to have it, rather than simply to have it on hand ‘just in case.’”

 https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/verify-there-is-no-shortage-of-hydroxychloroquine-in-the-d...

[mjmm]

Yes because the zithromax (zpack) is given if there is a bacterial infection. I also heard Hydroxychloroquine is a preventative.

[mjmm]

You have to have a prescription to get hydrochloriquine. The doctor examines you and then prescribes the right dosage. Some people with a certain heart condition cannot take it.

[mjmm]

Dr. Karlee Graves did an interview with YouTube Jerome Corsi a few days ago. She said chloroquine had side effects such as having bad dreams. Hydroxychloroquine does not have that side effect. She had bern recommending this drug to the Vice President's office. She said patients with certain heart conditions cannot take it.