There has been lots of debates on the internet regarding this topic and it is hard to understand the back and forth debate between two sides. It almost requires a biochemistry degree in order to understand all the mumble jumble behind both side of the evidence. Luckily I do have a Biochemistry degree.
Allow me to put it simply. Currently there is not enough evidence this particular medication named Hydroxychloroquine works on COVID19 in any shape or form. It does work as a treatment for Malaria. Hence, we have to consider those who are suffering from Malaria and be sure they have enough supplies of this medication. According to the latest World malaria report, released in December 2019, there were 228 million cases of malaria in 2018 compared to 231 million cases in 2017. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 405 000 in 2018. If we use this medication inappropriately, more people will die for Malaria due to unable to assess this very useful medication.
In terms of evidence: The most comprehensive collections of papers are collected here on this website which supports the use of it. www.c19study.com . Unfortunately I have not been able to secure who was behind this website and their intention. As far as I could tell, it was not collated by any reputable university or Government agency. https://whois.domaintools.com/c19study.com
On the contrary, the most up-to-date reviews about the more relevant findings and conclusions which did not support the use of hydroxychloroquine are listed here https://covid19evidence.net.au/#living-guidelines This is a website which is supported and funded by Australian Government in conjunction with ALL the medical colleges of Australia and every scientific committees. Conflict of interest declaration: I also contribute to this website scientifically.
Other most current evidences are published here:WHO https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-hydroxychloroquine-and-covid-19And CDC https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/antiviral-therapy/hydroxychloroquine-plus-azithromycin/
Personally I find the below article quite easy to understand.https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2020-08-01/hydroxychloroquine-coronavirus-drug-now-right-wing-ideology/12510812
And of course Dr Fauci’s short explanation is very helpful which was published on 30/7/2020. https://www.facebook.com/NowThisPolitics/posts/4021904344507692
When more evidence emerges, I will publish and update this post. But as it stands, we do not support the use of it for COVID19 before, during or after the infection.
Dr Bernard Shiu, BS, MD, FRACGP
Clinical Director, Banksia Medical Centre
DHHS COVID19 Primary Care Advisory Group Member
DHHS Clinical Leadership Expert Group Member
RACGP VIC Council Member
