Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Information

As current efforts are underway to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, a recent concern has been the reported issuance of prescriptions by prescribers for and dispensing of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine by pharmacies for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Pharmacists should exercise caution dispensing these medications in a community setting.

Currently, there are no FDA-approved or clinically proven therapies for treatment of COVID-19. At present, the FDA has not approved use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 prophylaxis.

If used, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine should be restricted to patients who are admitted to hospitals with COVID-19 infections. The role of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in an individual patient’s care should be discussed with an infectious diseases physician at the healthcare facility.

Medication side effects, drug interactions, contraindications, and laboratory monitoring requirements should also be considered when dispensing these medications for treatment of COVID-19. There is a potential for toxicity with these medications. Meeting those monitoring needs for patients could be limited in a community setting at the moment.

Pharmacists and prescribers must also consider that patients currently taking hydroxychloroquine for FDA approved indications could be affected by this prescribing. Supplies of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine should be monitored by pharmacists for medication availability.

Providers prescribing hydroxychloroquine to patients for other indications (i.e.: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) are encouraged to notate the indication on any new prescription issued.

Please note, pharmacists are encouraged to use their professional judgement and are allowed to deny prescriptions based on the above information, if necessary.

This is a constantly evolving situation. As additional data is available, current information could be subject to change. Please continue to check your email from the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy and our website, www.mbp.ms.gov, for updated information pertaining to COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Ryan Harper

President

Mississippi Board of Pharmacy

Susan McCoy

Executive Director

Mississippi Board of Pharmacy¿

Article Date: 3/24/2020 | Expiration Date: 4/24/2020