Who should be taking Hydroxychloroquine? Here's what the government says
As the use of anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been a hot topic amid the coronavirus pandemic, the government on Friday reiterated its advisory on the drug. Earlier in March, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had allowed the use of HCQ as prophylaxis (preventive treatment) for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). So, who can or cannot take this drug and is it effective?
What is Hydroxychloroquine and what does it do?
Hydroxychloroquine is an old and inexpensive drug that is used to prevent and treat malaria. According to the government, certain pre-clinical studies have found the drug to be effective as a prophylactic against the novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. However, it is still too early to establish the drug's effectiveness to prevent COVID-19, since proper clinical trials for patients are yet to be conducted.
Who is HCQ recommended for?
The government's advisory approved the use of the drug "under exceptional circumstances that call for the protection of high-risk individuals." The high-risk individuals include asymptomatic healthcare workers treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases and asymptomatic household contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The drug is not recommended for children under 15, persons with retinopathy, and those with known hypersensitivity to Hydroxychloroquine, 4-aminoquinoline compounds.
'Won't recommend this to anyone until we get satisfactory results'
Senior ICMR scientist R Ganga Ketkar told ANI on Thursday, "It is important to understand that this (Hydroxychloroquine) medicine is not mandatory. Whether it will reduce the infection, will be known only after tests." He added, "The doctors are still testing it on symptomatic patients. Until we get satisfactory results, we will not recommend this to anyone."
Here are some things to consider about taking HCQ
HCQ has known side effects and it is imperative that it be sold only when prescribed by a registered medical practitioner. It is also advised to consult with a physician for any adverse event or potential drug interaction before initiation of medication. HCQ should not instil a sense of false security, and all precautionary health measures must be followed even while taking the drug.
Does India have enough Hydroxychloroquine tablets?
After India agreed to release the United States order on Hydroxychloroquine despite a blanket ban on its export, some asked if India had enough stock for itself. Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal clarified, "We have a domestic requirement of 1 crore Hydroxychloroquine tablets while we have 3.28 crore tablets available now." India will also supply the drug to Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
