Rep. Adams Applauds FDA's New Guidance on Hydroxychloroquine
Last week, Adams led a letter about HCQ to FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahnon with over 50 Members of Congress
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) applauded the new FDA Drug Safety Communication on hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, which states "Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have not been shown to be safe and effective for treating or preventing COVID-19."
The communication, entitled "FDA cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems," can be accessed here.
"I applaud this policy guidance from the Food and Drug Administration. Previously, the Trump Administration's irresponsible endorsement of hydroxychloroquine not only harmed coronavirus victims, but also the patients who are facing a nationwide shortage and need the medication for survival," said Congresswoman Adams. "I am overjoyed for Lupus patients, for whom this is the first-line treatment, as well as patients afflicted by malaria, porphyria cutanea tarda, and rheumatoid arthritis. I hope this policy change ends HCQ shortages and helps all of these patients access this essential medication once again."
Last week, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) and Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Chair of the Committee on Energy & Commerce's Subcommittee on Health, led more than 50 colleagues in sending a letter to FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn regarding the recent Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ) and chloroquine phosphate (CQ) to be used as unapproved potential therapeutics for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) patients. A copy of the letter and the associated press release is available here.
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