Q: I heard that Plaquenil could be used to treat coronavirus. Is this true?
A: Currently, there is no medication available that has an FDA-approved indication for treatment or prevention of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) belongs to a class of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and is only approved at this time for the treatment of malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has the potential to interact with many other medications and should only be administered under the guidance of a physician and with an appropriate indication.
Although it is not approved for use in any way for COVID-19, several clinical trials in the U.S. are planned to investigate the use of hydroxychloroquine for both prevention and treatment. More information can be found at clinicaltrials.gov.
Disclaimer: Answers to inquiries concerning information about health conditions and/or medications are not for diagnostic or treatment purposes and can not be considered conclusive without consulting with a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Any information contained here is not a substitute for medical advice and may be outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. If you are in need or immediate medical attention, contact your physician or call 911. If you need to speak to a pharmacist, call Grand Bay Pharmacy at (251) 865-5555.
