WHO pauses trial of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients due to safety concerns

[webfact]

WHO pauses trial of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients due to safety concerns

 

FILE PHOTO: Laura Ng, who has lupus and had to recently call at least five pharmacies before she could find a place to fill her hydroxychloroquine prescription, is photographed in Seattle, Washington, U.S. March 31, 2020. Ng said she is worried about the supply due to interest in the drug as a treatment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson

 

GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization has suspended testing the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients due to safety concerns, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday.

 

Hydroxycholoroquine has been touted by Donald Trump and others as a possible treatment for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The U.S. President has said he was taking the drug to help prevent infection.

 

"The executive group has implemented a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm within the Solidarity trial while the safety data is reviewed by the data safety monitoring board," Tedros told an online briefing.

 

He said the other arms of the trial - a major international initiative to hold clinical tests of potential treatments for the virus - were continuing.

 

The WHO has previously recommended against using hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent coronavirus infections, except as part of clinical trials.

 

Dr. Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies programme, said the decision to suspend trials of hydroxychloroquine had been taken out of "an abundance of caution".

 

(Reporting by Michael Shields; Writing by Peter Graff; Editing by John Stonestreet)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-05-26

 

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[Thailand]

Now testing injecting disinfectant to see how effective it may be?

[TopDeadSenter]

Very childish. So the WHO got their butt smacked by Trump. Now they refuse to investigate one of the most promising drugs to treat/prevent the disease their coziness with Beijing allowed to spread. Well with their funding axed by the largest (by far) contributor, they will have to prioritize spending. I would have recommended they cutting out spending on luxuries, but then I'm not the one having a tantrum.

[simple1]

2 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Very childish. So the WHO got their butt smacked by Trump. Now they refuse to investigate one of the most promising drugs to treat/prevent the disease their coziness with Beijing allowed to spread. Well with their funding axed by the largest (by far) contributor, they will have to prioritize spending. I would have recommended they cutting out spending on luxuries, but then I'm not the one having a tantrum.

WHO did not refuse to investigate hydroxycholoroquine, the WHO has temporarily suspended further research whilst the safety data is reviewed.

 

China has granted a doubling of US withdrawn funding over the next two years for WHO totalling two billion dollars. Accordingly your other comments makes no sense whatsoever. Out of curiosity how much of the WHO budget is spent on luxuries. 

[Mama Noodle]

14 minutes ago, simple1 said:

China has granted a doubling of US withdrawn funding over the next two years for WHO totalling two billion dollars.

 

China is not funding WHO 2 billion dollars over 2 years. 

[Phil McCaverty]

28 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Very childish. So the WHO got their butt smacked by Trump. Now they refuse to investigate one of the most promising drugs to treat/prevent the disease their coziness with Beijing allowed to spread. Well with their funding axed by the largest (by far) contributor, they will have to prioritize spending. I would have recommended they cutting out spending on luxuries, but then I'm not the one having a tantrum.

Really? You could have fooled me. More Trumpian conspiracy nonsense. The trial was stopped due to safety concerns. End of.

[RJRS1301]

28 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Very childish. So the WHO got their butt smacked by Trump. Now they refuse to investigate one of the most promising drugs to treat/prevent the disease their coziness with Beijing allowed to spread. Well with their funding axed by the largest (by far) contributor, they will have to prioritize spending. I would have recommended they cutting out spending on luxuries, but then I'm not the one having a tantrum.

Did you read why they have "suspended" , different from refusing to investigate as you state.

Always a good idea to investigate RISKS to human life and well-being. IMHO

Not everything is a conspiracy theory against your POTUS

 

"The executive group has implemented a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm within the Solidarity trial while the safety data is reviewed by the data safety monitoring board," Tedros told an online briefing."

 

(Reporting by Michael Shields; Writing by Peter Graff; Editing by John Stonestreet)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-05-26

 

 

[checkered flag]

Over 50 years ago it was mandatory that US troops in SEA take weeking doses to prevent malaria. It's been used for a very long time so it's risks are  well know. It was the primary drug to treat malaria then and is still used for some strains of malaria today (non P falc malaria). In high dosages many drugs can cause side effects, but are well documented. I think that either one of two things is happening: 1) this is to get back at Trump: or there is no big profit for big pharma, because it's generic. 

[RJRS1301]

1 minute ago, checkered flag said:

Over 50 years ago it was mandatory that US troops in SEA take weeking doses to prevent malaria. It's been used for a very long time so it's risks are  well know. It was the primary drug to treat malaria then and is still used for some strains of malaria today (non P falc malaria). In high dosages many drugs can cause side effects, but are well documented. I think that either one of two things is happening: 1) this is to get back at Trump: or there is no big profit for big pharma, because it's generic. 

Suspended over safety concerns>> investigation into safety data>>

Used for malaria, not a respiratory virus.

But do not let facts get in the way of your conspiracy though. 

[Phil McCaverty]

1 minute ago, checkered flag said:

Over 50 years ago it was mandatory that US troops in SEA take weeking doses to prevent malaria. It's been used for a very long time so it's risks are  well know. It was the primary drug to treat malaria then and is still used for some strains of malaria today (non P falc malaria). In high dosages many drugs can cause side effects, but are well documented. I think that either one of two things is happening: 1) this is to get back at Trump: or there is no big profit for big pharma, because it's generic. 

Yes the risks are well known. Ten years ago I was about to depart on a backpacking trip around SE Asia. I saw my GP regarding possible vaccinations for the trip. I mentioned hydroxychloroquine to him for a malaria preventative. He hit the roof saying that I would be in more danger from the hydroxychloroquine than malaria. Refused me a prescription point blank.

[checkered flag]

3 minutes ago, RJRS1301 said:

Suspended over safety concerns>> investigation into safety data>>

Used for malaria, not a respiratory virus.

But do not let facts get in the way of your conspiracy though. 

Whatever it's used for the safety concerns are the same. Many drugs have some potential side affects and are safely used every day. Read the package insert and it will scare you.

[RJRS1301]

8 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Whatever it's used for the safety concerns are the same. Many drugs have some potential side affects and are safely used every day. Read the package insert and it will scare you.

This drug is being trialed for something it has not been used for before.

I always read the contraindications and safety notes, 

I also think that in this case it is doubly important to read what occurred for those who have used it and what their limited findings could be, before proceeding blindly.

Nothing to do with the WH no matter how some may want to look at it.

SAFETY and RISKS INVESTIGATED>>>> not hard to see scientists wanting answers

 

 

[checkered flag]

3 minutes ago, Phil McCaverty said:

Yes the risks are well known. Ten years ago I was about to depart on a backpacking trip around SE Asia. I saw my GP regarding possible vaccinations for the trip. I mentioned hydroxychloroquine to him for a malaria preventative. He hit the roof saying that I would be in more danger from the hydroxychloroquine than malaria. Refused me a prescription point blank.

Ten years ago hydroxychloroquine was not being used a a malaria prevention in SEA. Since Plasmodium falciparium is resistant this drug is not in use. Malaria is no longer a problem in Thailand except in mountainous border areas, your physician was wise to not prescribe. BTbe W seeing a ID physician and travel me clinic would better than seeing a GP for tropical disease advice.

[Langsuan Man]

Let's not forget that even with these and other warnings on hydroxychlorlquine  President Trump's VA, has been doing live testing with our captive veteran population in VA Hospitals:

 

Quote

source: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2020/04/29/va-defends-use-of-unproven-malaria-drug-on-veterans-for-coronavirus/

 

Or maybe this headline is more impressive, juxtaposed with the WHO announcement :

 

Quote

 

[simple1]

18 minutes ago, Mama Noodle said:

 

China is not funding WHO 2 billion dollars over 2 years. 

OK to be precise - the announcement made by Xi at the WHO conference for Covid response, which trump refused to attend.

 

"China will provide 2 billion U.S dollars over two years to help with Covid-19 response, and with economic and social development in affected countries"

 

One would assume the monies will be channelled / leveraged by WHO in coordination with China. Plus China has also lifting it's direct contributions to WHO by $50 million in the past two months, currently I assume the additional funding will continue.

 

Why trump's funding freeze for WHO benefits nobody 

 

https://time.com/5821122/who-funding-trump-covid19-coronavirus-china/

 

 

[simple1]

6 minutes ago, Langsuan Man said:

Let's not forget that even with these and other warnings on hydroxychlorlquine  President Trump's VA, has been doing live testing with our captive veteran population in VA Hospitals:

 

source: https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2020/04/29/va-defends-use-of-unproven-malaria-drug-on-veterans-for-coronavirus/

 

Or maybe this headline is more impressive, juxtaposed with the WHO announcement :

 

 

A malaria drug widely touted by President Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus showed no benefit in a large analysis of its use in U.S. veterans hospitals. There were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine versus standard care, researchers reported.

 

.marketwatch.com/story/hydroxychloroquine-treatment-for-covid-19-shows-no-benefit-and-more-deaths-in-va-study-2020-04-21

[Phil McCaverty]

3 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Ten years ago hydroxychloroquine was not being used a a malaria prevention in SEA. Since Plasmodium falciparium is resistant this drug is not in use. Malaria is no longer a problem in Thailand except in mountainous border areas, your physician was wise to not prescribe. BTbe W seeing a ID physician and travel me clinic would better than seeing a GP for tropical disease advice.

I was in the UK. The actual consultation was with a nurse who specialised in vaccines. When I queried her advice she dragged my GP in. It was the standard treatment for malaria 10 years ago. You must remember that GPs in the UK are trained to a far higher standard than those in the US and don't respond to drug companies trying to bribe them into prescribing this or that drug.

[stevenl]

22 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Whatever it's used for the safety concerns are the same. <Snip>

You clearly really don't know anything about this.

[checkered flag]

5 minutes ago, RJRS1301 said:

This drug is being trialed for something it has not been used for before.

I always read the contraindications and safety notes, 

I also think that in this case it is doubly important to read what occurred for those who have used it and what their limited findings could be, before proceeding blindly.

Nothing to do with the WH no matter how some may want to look at it.

SAFETY and RISKS INVESTIGATED>>>> not hard to see scientists wanting answers

 

 

Recent finding suggest it might not be effective in acute patients but may help prevent the virus in early stages. I could explain more but it's beyond the scope of this forum, But, it could help prevent infections or lessen them in early stages.

If you are interested Mahidol University has launched a very large multi national double blind study. To do just that.  

[Mama Noodle]

 

10 minutes ago, simple1 said:

One would assume the monies will be channelled / leveraged by WHO in coordination with China.

Why would you assume that? There is no evidence or wording that states they have any inclination to do any such thing. Another falsity is that you said China is funding double what the US was, also fake news. 

 

50 million is paltry compared to the 400 million the US contributes. 

 

12 minutes ago, simple1 said:

Why trump's funding freeze for WHO benefits nobody 

 

Benefits the American taxpayer, and the information they get is global and open anyway so who cares where the money comes from. Once they became Chinas lapdog they made their bed, and now they have to sleep in it. 

[Phil McCaverty]

16 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Ten years ago hydroxychloroquine was not being used a a malaria prevention in SEA. Since Plasmodium falciparium is resistant this drug is not in use. Malaria is no longer a problem in Thailand except in mountainous border areas, your physician was wise to not prescribe. BTbe W seeing a ID physician and travel me clinic would better than seeing a GP for tropical disease advice.

Plasmodium Knowelsi is commonly found in SE Asia and is the primary cause of malaria. Found below 1500ft not in mountainous areas.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasmodium_knowlesi

 

"Plasmodium knowlesi is a parasite that causes malaria in humans and other primates. It is found throughout Southeast Asia, and is the most common cause of human malaria in Malaysia."

 

"chloroquine alone could be effective treatments for uncomplicated P. knowlesi malaria.^[15] There is no evidence of P. knowlesi developing resistance to current antimalarials"

 

 

[stevenl]

11 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Recent finding suggest it might not be effective in acute patients but may help prevent the virus in early stages. I could explain more but it's beyond the scope of this forum, But, it could help prevent infections or lessen them in early stages.

If you are interested Mahidol University has launched a very large multi national double blind study. To do just that.  

There are indications it could lessen infections in early stages, frequent testing is required for that which is an issue in many countries. 

Afaik no indications it could help to prevent infections, looking forward to links regarding that.

[checkered flag]

18 minutes ago, Phil McCaverty said:

I was in the UK. The actual consultation was with a nurse who specialised in vaccines. When I queried her advice she dragged my GP in. It was the standard treatment for malaria 10 years ago. You must remember that GPs in the UK are trained to a far higher standard than those in the US and don't respond to drug companies trying to bribe them into prescribing this or that drug.

You have no ideas on what you are taking about. 

[checkered flag]

2 minutes ago, stevenl said:

There are indications it could lessen infections in early stages, frequent testing is required for that which is an issue in many countries. 

Afaik no indications it could help to prevent infections, looking forward to links regarding that.

The study was just started so you'll have to wait. What alternative do you have? Tell the NHS they need tour advice.

[Phil McCaverty]

18 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Recent finding suggest it might not be effective in acute patients but may help prevent the virus in early stages.

There have been no substantive trials completed on this, therefore no evidence.

[stevenl]

1 minute ago, checkered flag said:

The study was just started so you'll have to wait. What alternative do you have? Tell the NHS they need tour advice.

You claim there are indications, looking forward to a link about the indications. Maybe a link to the recently started study will do.

[Phil McCaverty]

7 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

You have no ideas on what you are taking about. 

And you do? 555 See my post #21 in reply to your post #8

[Kelsall]

The drug has been proven to be highly effective for treating COVID-19 in clinical settings.  This is a political move by WHO to attempt to make Trump look bad.  Won't work.

 

[checkered flag]

7 minutes ago, Phil McCaverty said:

Plasmodium Knowelsi is commonly found in SE Asia and is the primary cause of malaria. Found below 1500ft not in mountainous areas.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasmodium_knowlesi

 

"Plasmodium knowlesi is a parasite that causes malaria in humans and other primates. It is found throughout Southeast Asia, and is the most common cause of human malaria in Malaysia."

 

"chloroquine alone could be effective treatments for uncomplicated P. knowlesi malaria.^[15] There is no evidence of P. knowlesi developing resistance to current antimalarials"

 

 

Plasmodium knowlesi is uncommon in humans. It is a primate malaria. Whereas Plasmodium falciparium is a sometime fatal for in humans. In Thailand it can be found seasonally in bamboo forest along the borders. Thailand has had a long effective program of malaria eradication. 

[Phil McCaverty]

Just now, Kelsall said:

The drug has been proven to be highly effective for treating COVID-19 in clinical settings.  This is a political move by WHO to make Trump look bad.

Not according to all reputable studies. You really need to stop drinking Trump's kool aid.