The drug hydroxychloroquine has been in the headlines for the past couple of weeks .Due to its potential use in curing coronavirus.
US President Donald Trump has also praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi for lifting the ban on the trading of (HCQ). It is also promote as a game-changer in the world’s fight against the inevitable coronavirus.
Table of Contents
Follow all the most advanced coronavirus updates here
India, the biggest supplier of the drug, had also halted its exports in early March. Although it, not 100 percent is shown that hydroxychloroquine cure COVID-19. It has created huge interest after Trump endorse the drug.
Here’s all you want to understand about the drug, which reportedly can hit coronavirus:
What is hydroxychloroquine use for?
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malaria drug, which is also to use the virus in areas is sensitive to chloroquine.
Is HCQ really a cure for COVID-19?
The answer to this problem is “no”. HCQ has not yet been shown to cure coronavirus.
Anecdotal studies have revealed that the drug can also decrease viral loads in COVID-19 patients. Clinical trials are on in some countries like the US, UK, Spain and Australia. Specialists suggest that clinical trials are also require on patients to test the effectiveness of the drug.
The USFDA has said that the drugs can be order: “as appropriate when a clinical trial is not possible or available”. The drug is use on 1,100 coronavirus affected people in New York and the effects are being monitor.
Has India lifted the ban on export of HCQ?
After a 12-day ban, the Indian government lifted restraints on the drug to meet shipping commitments. The government has also chosen to licence HCQ in proper quantities to neighboring countries .
Do Indian companies have sufficient raw material to make HCQs?
Ipca Labs has said that it is also vertically combined for HCQs, meaning they make raw material APIs, key origin material and the complete drug (formulations) at their offices in India. Even Zydus Cadila makes raw material in-house. Other businesses also import certain parts and APIs from China.
How much HCQ does India manufacture?
After the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also advised the treatment of HCQ as a precautionary treatment for COVID-19 on March 24, patients.
The global public and healthcare workers also reportedly started stocking the drug. The shortage hit those who were also administer the medication for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Some chemists and stockists have still not got stocks.
Is hydroxycholoroquine safe?
There have been also connected side-effects of HCQ on patients. The drug also taken in combination with Azithromycin .It raises the risk of side effects like arrhythmia or irregular pulse. Medical specialists around the world have also advised against any using HCQ as a method without proper clinical studies.
