A pharmacist shows a box of “plaquenil” on March 23 in Rennes. – Damien Meyer / AFP
The Regional Health Agency in New Aquitaine gave details on Monday his alert on cases of “cardiac toxicity” after self-medication of Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) in the face of symptoms suggestive of Covid-19. Ten cases were hospitalized in a week in the region according to the ARS. Some even required a transition to intensive care.
Taking this medication should be subject to appropriate medical “monitoring” and “prescription”, “to avoid the occurrence of serious adverse events,” said the health authority. This can cause heart rhythm disturbances that can go as far as a “heart attack” according to Doctor Daniel Habold, director of public health at ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine. An overdose can be dangerous, even fatal.
Don’t overload resuscitation services even more
ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine recalls that hydroxychloroquine “which must in no case be taken by self-medication. It is essential that these recommendations are observed to avoid the occurrence of serious adverse events but also hospitalizations in intensive care which are currently precious. “
Derived from the antimalarial chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine known in France as Plaquénil, is used against lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. This drug is currently being tested in several countries in the fight against Covid-19.
Health authorities warn against self-medication https://t.co/PNy6g4ohlW
– 20 Minutes (@ 20Minutes) March 30, 2020
In France, trials on hydroxychloroquine are being carried out by the controversial Professor Didier Raoult who has drawn criticism after having published two studies confirming, according to him, the “effectiveness” of this treatment against the coronavirus. Many scientists point to the limitations of these studies because they were not conducted according to standard scientific protocols.
