The controversy over the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) for COVID-19 has left pharmacists in the middle of the debate, struggling to offer advice.
Early anecdotal reports appeared promising, but more recent, better-designed studies have shown little or no benefit, and some have demonstrated a risk for cardiovascular and other adverse events.
The National Institutes of Health stopped its ORCHID study of HCQ in hospitalized adults with COVID-19 early because