I just read a write-up that said that an inexpensive anti-malarial drug is being used already and has been shown to be effective as both a treat and as a preventative. It has been used for a long time and has no adverse effects. If true, it would impact the market for new drugs.
As per Raymond James analyst:
A generic drug used to treat malaria may be as promising as any that companies are currently scrambling for to treat COVID-19, the coronavirus-related disease spreading rapidly,
That drug would be Chloroquine. I really hope the generic anti-malaria treatment, that's widely available, is effective. By my estimate, we need all the treatments we can get at least during the initial waves of this pandemic. Perhaps in later years we'll settle for a single best one although in practice you often see there are multiple competing treatments with their idiosyncratic pros and cons for various diseases.
But the setup of the French trial has me fearing for the viability of Chloroquine as it was not included in their 800-person trial:
Chloroquine, a drug against malaria, was not selected because of drug interactions and problems of side effects, especially in intensive care patients. "But if in vivo we show that there is an efficiency, this is something that we could add," notes Professor Yazdan Yazdanpanah.
Chloroquin?
“and has no adverse effects”
sigh. just the usual FR ignoramuses weighing in with their usual ignorance ...
the drug is Chloroquine and it has YUGE side-effects:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Chloroquine+side-effects
once again, YOU said “and has no adverse effects”
that’s patently false,so either you’re ignorant or a liar ...
here’s the truth of the matter about chloroquine, which is far, far from “and has no adverse effects”:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/chloroquine
Chloroquine Warnings
Before taking chloroquine, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
Liver disease
Hearing problems
Psoriasis
Eye or vision problems
Weakness in your knees and ankles
G6PD deficiency (a genetic disorder)
Porphyria (a blood disorder)
Seizures
Stomach or intestinal problems
Kidney disease
Allergies to medicines
Also, let your doctor know if you drink large amounts of alcohol before starting on this medicine.
Your doctor will probably want to order frequent tests to check your body’s response to chloroquine. Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory.
Let your healthcare provider know if your symptoms either don’t improve or worsen while taking this medicine.
Chloroquine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and tanning booths and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
Don’t receive any vaccination (especially a rabies vaccine) while using chloroquine without first discussing it with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Chloroquine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chloroquine is considered safe to use during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or might become pregnant while taking chloroquine. You’ll have to discuss the risks and benefits of using this medicine during pregnancy.
Chloroquine passes into breast milk and may harm a breastfeeding baby. Don’t breastfeed while taking this drug without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Chloroquine Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Chloroquine
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don’t go away:
Loss of appetite
Mild dizziness
Mild diarrhea
Clumsiness
Mild headache
Nausea or stomach cramps
Serious Side Effects of Chloroquine
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following severe side effects:
Unusual behavior or mood changes
Severe diarrhea
Vision problems or blurred vision
Trouble reading words or seeing parts of objects
Sensitivity to sunlight
Hearing loss
Ringing in the ears
Change in skin color
Change in color of the inside of your mouth
Fever or sore throat
Hair loss
Weight loss
Unusual weakness
Drowsiness
Seizures
Difficulty speaking
Drooling
Loss of balance
Uncontrolled movements
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Dark-colored urine
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Vomiting
Irregular heartbeat
Signs of a severe allergic reaction, which may include hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, or swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue
Back to Top
Chloroquine Interactions
Tell your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you’re taking, especially:
Antacids, such as Tagamet (cimetidine) and others
Arsenic trioxide
Rheumatrex, Trexall (methotrexate)
Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Iron products
Kaolin
Niacin
Rifadin or Rimactane (rifampin)
Nydrazid (isoniazid)
Medication for irregular heartbeat
Medication for depression or anxiety
Vitamins and herbal products
Chloroquine and Other Interactions
Chloroquine may cause dizziness.
Don’t drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
Chloroquine and Alcohol
Alcohol may worsen certain side effects of chloroquine.
Talk to your doctor about this potential interaction.