Sen. Warren questions hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine availability

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has forwarded correspondence to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking clarity regarding reported shortages of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Warren maintains the drugs, which are generally used to treat lupus, malaria, and rheumatoid arthritis, have been promoted by President Donald Trump as COVID-19 treatments despite neither being tested in clinical studies.

“President Trump’s unproven claims about the drug have fueled an increased demand for them, leaving physicians and patients that already rely on them to grapple with shortages of these essential medications,” Warren wrote.

Warren acknowledged while scientists have begun testing hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as candidates for potential COVID-19 treatments and the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the prescription of the drugs in certain circumstances, public health experts have remained cautious regarding wide distribution.

“A disruption in access to these drugs presents serious risks for patients with autoimmune disorders, making them more susceptible to complications from COVID-19 should they get the virus,” Warren concluded. “It is imperative that we ensure these drugs remain available for patients who rely on them to avoid illness and disability.”

Warren has requested an update regarding how the agency is working to guarantee patients relying on the drugs would continue to have access during the pandemic, combat misinformation about the effectiveness of drug treatments for COVID-19, and, along with providers, ensure safe prescription practices for these drugs.