HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE NOW AVAILABLE FOR OUTPATIENT USE
As of Thursday July 23
rd
, the Governor’s emergency order that effectively banned outpatient hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine use EXPIRED. NOMA, through its own sources including local pharmacists, has contacted the Board of Pharmacy and the repeated opinion was that the order had expired and that since NO EXTENSION or other efforts to prolong this order were undertaken that
ALL PHYSICIANS CAN NOW PRESCRIBE AND ALL PHARMACIES CAN NOW DISPENSE THIS MEDICATION WITHOUT RESTRICTION
.
Effective immediately, NOMA’s lawsuit against the Governor and State Board of Pharmacy is
SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY
unless additional restrictions are declared against this, or any other, medication. We will remain vigilant to protect the
MOST SACRED PHYSICIAN AND PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
. NOMA continues to emphasize that the reason for our legal challenge was NEVER out of spite or political reasons (as some have thought) but for the advocacy of our Osteopathic (and in this case, ALL) physicians. We hope that this issue remains permanently resolved so that we can re-establish a good working relationship with all parties involved.
I appreciate there is conflicting data on the efficacy and safety of these medications, but please consider that ALL negative studies were done on in-patient and/or ventilator patients. These patients were, by definition, in a hyper-immune state (i.e. cytokine cascade) and were therefore probably not appropriate candidates for these medications. I reiterate what I stated in the March newsletter about “a critical therapeutic window” during which an outpatient is NOT getting better after initial onset of symptoms, is
significantly
worsening, but is NOT yet meeting criteria for hospitalization, as a candidate for treatment with a combination of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and zinc sulfate. I treated a number of patients prior to the ban with great success and have resumed treating patients with the same combination. Patients have NOT experienced any side effects except GI upset with this regimen. Should you have any questions on this, I am happy to share the details with any of you.
My
personal plea
is that you have an open mind and consider ALL DATA to make the most definitive and comprehensive treatment decision with your patient, educating them to all benefits and risks and obtaining full informed consent. It is my most sincere hope and prayer that
ALL
physicians can work together in their respective capacities to end this modern plague.
Sincerely and Humbly Yours,
Bruce Fong, DO
President
