Insufficient antimalarial supply for rheumatic disease treatment in the early COVID-19 pandemic

According to the results of a survey, the use of antimalarial drugs for COVID-19 patients during the early pandemic led to a shortage of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as long-term treatment for patients with rheumatic diseases. “Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine were promoted for treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, despite little evidence for their efficacy,” said Ms Emily Sirotich (COVID‐19 Global Rheumatology Alliance Steering Committee and McMaster University, Canada) [1]. Based on data from the COVID‐19 Global Rheumatology Alliance Patient Experience survey, the prevalence and impact of antimalarial drug shortages were assessed. Furthermore, the potential link between the use of antimalarial drugs and a decreased risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients was studied. Anonymously, 9,393 patients entered data about the type of their rheumatic disease diagnosis, medication, C...

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Posted on 18 January, 202118 January, 2021