June 15, 2020 Update: Based on ongoing analysis and emerging scientific data, FDA has revoked the emergency use authorization (EUA) to use hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to treat COVID-19 in certain hospitalized patients when a clinical trial is unavailable or participation is not feasible. We made this determination based on recent results from a large, randomized clinical trial in hospitalized patients that found these medicines showed no benefit for decreasing the likelihood of death or speeding recovery. This outcome was consistent with other new data, including those showing the suggested dosing for these medicines are unlikely to kill or inhibit the virus that causes COVID-19. As a result, we determined that the legal criteria for the EUA are no longer met. Please refer to the
Revocation of the EUA Letter and
FAQs on the Revocation of the EUA for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate and Chloroquine Phosphate for more information.
July 1, 2020 Update: A summary of the FDA
review of safety issues with the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to treat hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is now available. This includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
This is one of those cases where you actually do have proof of harm caused by the drug and it would be irresponsible for the FDA to ignore or hide it. The irony is that when the FDA does its job it get's accused of being involved in some elaborate money scheme. If they were to not do their job the people harmed by the drug would say "Where was the FDA when we needed them to do what they exist to do?"
I am so glad that we have the FDA and they are going to keep doing their job and not be pressured by politics or litigation but stick only to science as they should. We all have our opinions, I like to follow the most reasonable scientific trail.