Trump also falsely claimed that chloroquine had been approved by the FDA for treating COVID-19.
Hydroxychloroquine, a less toxic derivative of chloroquine, is an anti-malaria and arthritis medication. Azithromycin is an anti-bacterial drug intended to defend against secondary infections. They both have risk of various side effects. The more severe for hydroxychloroquine include allergic reactions, hypoglycemia, permanent eye problems, nerve damage, psychosis, seizures, and heart failure.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, flatly denied that there was any conclusive evidence to support the claim, noting that no clinical trials have been completed. Fauci explained during a subsequent press conference, “You really can’t make any definitive statement about it.” Still, Trump continued to express optimism about its efficacy. “May work, may not work, but I feel good about it,” Trump said.
The World Health Organization has not approved use of the drug for COVID-19. Its Director General noted, “small, observational and non-randomized studies will not give us the answers we need. Using untested medicines without the right evidence could raise false hope, and even do more harm than good and cause a shortage of essential medicines that are needed to treat other diseases.”
Nevertheless, there has been a run on hydroxychloroquine, with reports of hoarding and border crossing into Mexico for purchases. A man died from ingesting cleaner that contained a chemical he confused with what Trump promoted.
During the same press conference, Trump attacked a reporter for asking what he would say to frightened Americans.
In a later press conference, Trump said he may take the medication, even though he hadn’t yet asked his own doctors about it: “If it were me – in fact, I might do it anyway. I may take it, okay? I may take it. And I’ll have to ask my doctors about that, but I may take it.”
Trump doubles down on hydroxychloroquine, saying he may take it as a prophylactic.
TRUMP: I may take it. Okay?… I’ll have to ask my doctors about that but I may take it.
Career scientists have warned that the science is unsettled + lupus patients currently need the drug. pic.twitter.com/ZBx6xHvvNG
— Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) April 4, 2020
Trump had a financial interest in Sanofi, a French company that produces the brand-name version of hydroxychloroquine. While some trials showed promise, others didn’t; a Brazilian trial for chloroquine was halted when 11 patients died after 6 days.
In August, Trump’s testing chief Brett Giroir said it was time to “move on” from hydroxychloroquine.
NBC News – Trump, promoting unproven drug treatments, insults NBC reporter at coronavirus briefing
World Health Organization – WHO Director-General’s opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 – 23 March 2020
WebMD – Hydroxychloroquine SULFATE
Vox – Trump’s reckless promotion of hydroxychloroquine to fight coronavirus, explained
AP News – AP FACT CHECK: Trump falsely claims drug approval for virus
The Dallas Morning News – Border towns see run on drug touted by Trump but unproven as coronavirus cure
Salon – Man dies from ingesting cleaner containing chloroquine after Trump hypes treatment for coronavirus
Business Insider – Trump says he ‘may take’ hydroxychloroquine, even though there’s no evidence it’s effective or safe to prevent or treat coronavirus
The New York Times – Trump’s Aggressive Advocacy of Malaria Drug for Treating Coronavirus Divides Medical Community
USA Today – Study of Trump-touted chloroquine for coronavirus stopped due to heart problems, deaths
Forbes – Trump Testing Chief Brett Giroir Says To ‘Move On’ From Hydroxychloroquine
