Coronavirus: US Revokes Chloroquine Authorization 

The FDA had given the green light on March 28 so that these antimalarial treatments were prescribed, only in the hospital, to patients contaminated by the new coronavirus. AFP

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The antimalarial often praised by Donald Trump had been authorized for emergency on March 28, 2020 on the American market, but after new results, the FDA, the American agency of the drug announced, this Monday, June 15, oral product is probably ineffective and even dangerous in some cases.

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With our correspondent in San Francisco, Éric de Salve

"  It is no longer reasonable to believe that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are effective in the treatment of Covid 19  ", wrote the FDA in its statement published on Monday on its website. "  Nor is it reasonable," says the US drug agency, " to believe that the benefits of these products outweigh the known and potential risks." The letter is signed by Denise Hinton, the chief scientist of the same agency, which nevertheless authorized this disputed drug against the coronavirus in emergency in late March.

Based on continued review of scientific data, FDA has determined that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating # COVID19 and therefore we are revoking the emergency use authorization for these drugs: https://t.co/k9kJMeci0a pic.twitter. com / W2aItvFcBU

  FDA Drug Information (@FDA_Drug_Info) June 15, 2020

It was new results from clinical tests that convinced her to withdraw her authorization. The FDA explains that it has received more than 400 reports of adverse effects: around 100 concern serious cardiac complications, 25 of which led to death, although most of these cases were aggravated by taking another drug in addition.

The news contradicts the hopes of Donald Trump, arguably the most famous promoter of chloroquine. “  There is a good chance that the treatment could have a huge impact. It would be a gift from heaven,  ”he said in May. The American president had even announced taking chloroquine himself as a preventive measure for two weeks, thus helping to make the product a political issue.

► Also read: Coronavirus : hydroxychloroquine is no longer authorized in France

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  • United States
  • Coronavirus
  • Health and Medicine
  • Donald trump

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