COVID-19 and UK Hydroxychloroquine Supply

[Paul_Howard]

Hi everyone,

There has been a lot of media attention about hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for the coronavirus (COVID_19).

A few people with lupus have notified us about difficulty in getting this medication from their pharmacist.

Here is an update about what we know right now and the action LUPUS UK is taking to ensure a stable supply for people with lupus and other rheumatologic conditions.

lupusuk.org.uk/covid19-hydr...

[CarolMcl]

Thanks Paul

[Kevin53]

Thanks Paul. Best wishes Kevin

[PMRpro]

In a related item: 2 people are reported to have died after taking chloroquine phosphate of the sort used to clean fishtanks because Trump kept referring to just "chloroquine" as being "a real game changer" in the Covid19 situation.

It isn't the same thing at all!!!!

But China has reopened manufacturing of the drug after a 15 year break - they are obviously convinced it will be approved and are not relying on current stocks.

[Kevin53 in reply to PMRpro]

Truly amazing and sad. The sulphates and the phosphates!!

[overnighthearingloss in reply to Kevin53]

Can you expand on this a bit please. I have not been following the story.

[Kevin53 in reply to overnighthearingloss]

The sky news link explains the background

[overnighthearingloss in reply to Kevin53]

You mentioned the sulphates and the phosphates. This wasn't specifically referenced hence my confusion.

[Kevin53 in reply to overnighthearingloss]

Apologies. I was just trying to highlight the dangers when folk see chemical names on other products such as Fish tank fungal cleaners and self medicate. In the human drug world it’s hydroxychloroquine sulphate and chloroquine phosphate! Best wishes Kevin

[MEGS53 in reply to PMRpro]

OMG, this is truly awful. I'm shocked.

I know Trump doesn't understand chemistry, but who on earth sold this to the people? Or did they just buy it off the shelf - in America(?) - to supposedly clean their fish tanks?

[PMRpro in reply to MEGS53]

They'd had it on the shelf for ages having previously had fish. Saw it and thought "chloroquine - that's what Trump was on about"

And he is going on about it as if it were his idea and it is a cure - looking promising but there is a lot of work to do yet.

[MEGS53 in reply to PMRpro]

Oh noooooo! Can Trump be brought up for manslaughter, I wonder??

'looking promising but there is a lot of work to do yet'...…..the man really is an idiot (sorry if this offends anyone) and a very dangerous idiot at that. Will he ever learn? I doubt it somehow, the truly arrogant never do.

[PMRpro in reply to MEGS53]

I thought they had got through to him but he's losing it again judging by last night's press statement/ramble. "America will be open again in a couple of weeks, people were talking of June/July"

[MEGS53 in reply to PMRpro]

Maybe they can have him committed to a MH institute for the overall safety of the country...…...

(my personal viewpoint, I don't want to offend anyone).

[maggielee]

Paul was going to write

[e-mail]

Bob Geldof was on with Lorraine & Piers Morgan this am. just at end of programme about how chloroquine should be given out the coronavirus patients etc...did say they on to explain more about it....

Very frustrating to watch as he had idea of the consequences of his statement nor the side effects of chloroquine hydroxy (this no teen but a Sir)....

At least doctors here have more control on prescribing it...and are more cautious...ml

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to maggielee]

Hi maggielee ,

I heard about that. It is frustrating that people with no knowledge or expertise are given an opportunity to discuss matters like this. We've had more calls coming in today from the general public asking how they can get the medication - it's just wasting our time!

[CarolMcl in reply to Paul_Howard]

Omg!!! Speachless

[PMRpro in reply to Paul_Howard]

Could you have a onhold message saying it isn't a cure/preventative and you cannot help??

Typical though isn't it - get someone who knows sod all about it to spout on breakfast TV now that's all people are doing instead of rushing out to work.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro ,

Our helpline isn't as technologically advanced as that unfortunately. It is essentially just a home phone but with four lines. There hasn't been an excessive amount of calls about it, but we are very busy with important enquiries from people with lupus at the moment and don't need anything else on top.

[PMRpro in reply to Paul_Howard]

Well quite - I can't believe our forum, I'm on 9am until 9pm, non-stop. And you wouldn't believe some of the questions - except I know you would ...

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to PMRpro]

Take care of yourself PMRpro ! We're at the beginning of what looks like a long period of uncertainty and disruption. You need to look after yourself so you can help others.

[PMRpro in reply to Paul_Howard]

Doing my best - been on lockdown here for over 2 weeks now! Not much else to do ...

[Kevin53 in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks. Best wishes Kevin

[maggielee in reply to Paul_Howard]

Sent an email with some of the excellent links posted by my fellow HU contributors & who I learn so much from.. Also, added links to Lupus UK...

Hope they highlight soon..

Do keep safe...ml😀

[happytulip in reply to Paul_Howard]

Can maggielee or Paul_Howard make an offcom complaint? I didn't see it myself? It might have more clout coming from a registered charity?

[loopy-lou]

Thank you Paul for keeping us up to date. Much appreciated.