There is no comprehensive evidence for use of HCQ for prophylaxis of COVID-19. Few studies with small sample and that too with flaws in research methodology are available. Most of the published research is available as pre-print and yet to be peer reviewed. Unproven use in millions of healthcare providers and other contacts of COVID-19 patients can lead to many adverse consequences and result in harm rather than any benefit (it has proven adverse effects but not proven benefit). Cardiac toxicity (QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia, risk is more when used along with azithromycin ), ocular toxicity, hypoglycemia and hemolysis in G6PD deficient subjects are big disadvantages. even if the incidence of such adverse effects are low but use in millions of people across the world can result into significant fatal outcomes. Provided the immunomodulatory role of HCQ, it can suppress immunity and during that period exposed individuals are likely to catch COVID-19, causing harm rather than any benefit. On the contrary, more sensible use of immunomodulatory role of HCQ will be in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia where the suppression of cytokines can prevent further damage. With this background, I strongly oppose its use in prophylaxis but I do agree with its use in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia to prevent the cytokine storm and further damage. Your views will be appreciated.
Naseer Mustafa , Thank You. I have read almost all the literature (including one which you sent) but my discussion idea is different. People are using HCQ for prophylaxis of COVID-19 which is not supported by any evidence and it can lead to adverse consequences
Would not use this as a prophylaxis as it is not recommended or backed up with evidence and there are other issues with HCQ such as prolonged QT times which would be a real and present danger considering the dosages required
Harmanjit Singh, considering the climate we are in and the rush there will be with clinical options I would be so so so so so careful in going down any treatment plan without good robust evidence that is peer reviewed. Even a low % of adverse side effects can equate to harm in a population already severely compromised with an infection
Stephen Reynolds..Yes I do agree and not in favour of any sort of unproven use of medicines.
Harmanjit Singh it is amazing how many people dont, even trained professionals
In my country, Jordan, this drug was used under the supervision of a committee of doctors, and 150 out of 400 COVID 19 positive cases were cured.
Mutasem Z. Bani-Fwaz. My concern is regarding prophylaxis of COVID and not treatment . Moreover cure of COVID would depend on so many factors and not only HCQ e.g stage of the disease, immunity of the patient etc. So we can't assign success to HCQ.
Severity of disease depends of the viral load which is highly infected the cells as well as the over expression of the proliferation of virus lead to inhibit differentiation of cells that effect immunity responses, there for the medicines can't do nothing in late stage.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340448998_Azithromycin_promising_medicine_for_COVID_19_in_early_stage_by_effecting_on_mTOR_and_immune_system
CQ is also pretty active in Influenza in-vitro. In an RCT as prophylaxis it has failed for Influenza.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2012410
According to new article published in NEJM, HCQ does not lead to any benefit in COVID patients
You may be interested in this short form review of drug possibilities from the Australian government, including chloroquine.
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-05/Potential%20medicines%20to%20treat%20COVID-19%20%281%20May%202020%29.pdf
Cualquier tratamiento no autorizado para tratar el covid 19, es antietico.En caso de una investigación experimental, deberían tener el consentimiento informado de la persona enferma, y si es menor de edad de los familiares más próximos al paciente.Con huella, y debe existir por parte de quienes solicitan aplicar este tratamiento un escrito de los beneficios y riesgos, expresando el tipo de tratamiento, dosis vía y frecuencia.Firmado y sellado por el o los médicos
que lo solicitan con todos los datos.
The drug has several side effects and warnings including blindness, heart failure, and renal toxicity. Used this drug in emergency conditions, such as severe COVID-19 patients, these side effects can adverse the patient outcome
Article Risk of using hydroxychloroquine as a treatment of COVID-19
Article Hydroxychloroquine for the treatment and prophylaxis of COVI...
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