In 22 US states, as well as the capital, local and federal authorities began to acquire a poorly researched drug for the treatment of COVID-19.
This was reported by the Associated Press, citing data from sources in the administration.
We are talking about hydroxychloroquine – a drug for malaria, which was previously actively promoted by the US President Donald Trump, and for criticizing whom Rick Bright was fired from his post as head of the Office of Advanced Research and Development in Biomedicine. The fact is that the drug is poorly understood in terms of its use for the fight against coronavirus infection.
“Contrary to the erroneous guidelines, I have limited the widespread use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, promoted by the administration as a panacea, but clearly devoid of scientific value”, – Bright said earlier.
Despite this, about 30 million doses of the drug have already been purchased in the United States. These actions are motivated by creating a stock of hydroxychloroquine in case its effectiveness is proven, the agency said. However, health experts are concerned that having a drug readily available during times of heightened public fear may lead to abuse.
The US Food and Drug Administration has already warned doctors that it is dangerous to prescribe the drug to patients outside hospitals or research facilities. This is due to serious side effects, including death. This fact did not prevent Trump from advertising the drug 17 times in his public appearances.
“Frankly, we have seen a flood of inappropriate prescribing and accumulation”, – Health Commissioner Lisa Pearce told reporters.