Hydroxychloroquine

Researchers have linked hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug that was briefly promoted by former US President Donald Trump and others as a “miracle” medicine for COVID-19 — to an increased mortality rate of up to 11%.

Key Findings:

• Studies link hydroxychloroquine to an increased mortality rate in COVID-19 patients, with up to 11% higher mortality observed.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies initially tested hydroxychloroquine but later advised against its use due to a lack of clinical improvement in patients.
• Concerns arose over the drug’s repurposing, emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches in the pandemic response.

About Hydroxychloroquine:

• Hydroxychloroquine, traditionally used to treat malaria, was initially promoted as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
• The drug gained widespread attention when high-profile figures, including a former US President, labelled it a “miracle cure” for COVID-19.
• During the pandemic’s first wave, there was a global scramble to find effective treatments, leading to the consideration of existing drugs like hydroxychloroquine.

Side Effects and Complications

• Patients treated with hydroxychloroquine reported side effects such as cardiac discomfort and digestive issues.
• An analysis involving 96,000 patients showed increased risks of irregular heart rhythms in those treated with hydroxychloroquine.
• Despite systematic reviews of various studies, there is no consensus on the drug’s impact due to varying methodologies and potential confounding factors.

Current Status and Usage

• Hydroxychloroquine is still used for treating malaria and autoimmune disorders like lupus due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• The drug is generally safe for its traditional uses but may cause side effects like stomach pain, digestive problems, skin dryness, and eye damage after prolonged use.
• The use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 has significantly declined following global health advisories and retracted studies.

Ref: Source