Hydroxychloroquine

Background of the Study:

• The controversial study by French researcher Didier Raoult, published on March 20, 2020, claimed that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and HCQ combined with azithromycin significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load.
• The paper was retracted on December 17, 2024, due to concerns about ethical approval and methodological issues.

About Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)

• Hydroxychloroquine is a medication primarily used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• It reduces immune system activity or kills the malaria-causing parasites from Anopheles mosquito bites.

Use in Autoimmune Disorders:

• Effective in managing rheumatoid arthritis by reducing joint inflammation.
• Helps treat lupus by controlling the overactive immune response.

HCQ and COVID-19:

• Early studies claimed HCQ could reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, especially in combination with azithromycin.
• Proposed as a prophylactic to prevent COVID-19 infection; however, large-scale use raised concerns due to:
  • Cardiac arrhythmia risks
  • Liver damage
  • Potential weakening of the immune system’s response to infection.

Q1: Is Hydroxychloroquine effective against COVID-19?

Hydroxychloroquine was initially studied as a potential treatment for COVID-19. However, subsequent research showed limited or no significant benefit, and its use for COVID-19 is not widely recommended by health authorities.

Source: Journal finally retracts the discredited hydroxychloroquine paper - The Hindu