PSA writes to prescribers

RISING demand for hydroxychloroquine, following US President, Donald Trump’s announcement on Fri that it may support in the care of patients with COVID-19, has prompted the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President, Dr Chris Freeman, to write to prescribers not to prescribe it for off-label use.

“PSA is receiving reports from Australian pharmacists that they are receiving prescriptions from: doctors prescribing for other doctors and their families; as well as dentists prescribing to the community and their families; nonmedical prescribers prescribing bulk amounts of the drug,” Freeman said.

“If this medication does indeed have the efficacy that we would desire against COVID-19 then it needs to be prescribed and used judiciously.

“The stock of this medication needs to be managed effectively and utilised for those who may genuinely need it.

“Our strong advice to pharmacists at this point in time, until further advice is available, is to refuse the dispensing of hydroxychloroquine if there is not a genuine need, and that need is for those indications for what it is approved for – inflammatory conditions or the suppression and treatment of malaria.

“The current stock of hydroxychloroquine needs to be managed sensibly.”

MEANWHILE, pharmaceutical giant, Novartis, has committed to supplying 130 million free doses of hydroxychloroquine, should evidence emerge supporting the use of the anti-malarial drug in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.