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U.S. Veterans Affairs says it won't stop use of unproven malaria drug on vets
Hope Yen
The Associated Press Staff
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Published Friday, May 15, 2020 4:31PM EDT
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"The use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID has dropped off dramatically," the VA said.
Tester, who received VA's responses this week, said he remained concerned about the safety of the drug after a recent analysis of VA hospital data showed the drug had no benefit.
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About 28% of veterans who were given hydroxychloroquine plus usual care died, versus 11% of those getting routine care alone.
In its response to Congress, the department provided copies of some of its guidance issued to VA physicians on hydroxychloroquine from March to May. It made clear that hydroxychloroquine should be considered mostly for use in clinical trials or when medically appropriate after a full discussion with the patient about risks.
The VA did not explain the circumstances in which veterans in the recent analysis of hospital data were given the drug, only suggesting that "it is possible" they were prescribed as part of last-ditch efforts to save a patient's life.
"Based on the principles of patient-centric care, it would be inappropriate to deny patients access to hydroxychloroquine under these dire circumstances," VA wrote. It said it had followed the approach of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases by "summarizing the medical literature regarding unapproved treatments for COVID-19 and making that available to VA clinicians in their shared decision-making with patients." That guidance now includes preliminary studies on remdesivir, which has been federally approved for emergency use to treat COVID-19.
more..
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/corona...vets-1.4941648
Hope Yen
The Associated Press Staff
Contact
Published Friday, May 15, 2020 4:31PM EDT
snip
"The use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID has dropped off dramatically," the VA said.
Tester, who received VA's responses this week, said he remained concerned about the safety of the drug after a recent analysis of VA hospital data showed the drug had no benefit.
snip
About 28% of veterans who were given hydroxychloroquine plus usual care died, versus 11% of those getting routine care alone.
In its response to Congress, the department provided copies of some of its guidance issued to VA physicians on hydroxychloroquine from March to May. It made clear that hydroxychloroquine should be considered mostly for use in clinical trials or when medically appropriate after a full discussion with the patient about risks.
The VA did not explain the circumstances in which veterans in the recent analysis of hospital data were given the drug, only suggesting that "it is possible" they were prescribed as part of last-ditch efforts to save a patient's life.
"Based on the principles of patient-centric care, it would be inappropriate to deny patients access to hydroxychloroquine under these dire circumstances," VA wrote. It said it had followed the approach of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases by "summarizing the medical literature regarding unapproved treatments for COVID-19 and making that available to VA clinicians in their shared decision-making with patients." That guidance now includes preliminary studies on remdesivir, which has been federally approved for emergency use to treat COVID-19.
more..
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/corona...vets-1.4941648
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