Lupus patients are being affected amid the coronavirus pandemic

Across the world, countries have been dealing with the impact of the novel coronavirus also known as COVID-19.

As the number of cases and death toll continues to rise in the United States, scientists and medical professionals are working around the clock to find a vaccine for the deadly respiratory disease.

Clinical trials for vaccines have begun but it could take at least a year to be introduced to the public.

While several drug treatments are being used in hospitals and clinical trials, unfortunately no studies have officially proven their effectiveness. One drug in particular is hydroxychloroquine, a drug currently used to treat malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

During a White House press conference, President Trump touted the anti-malaria drug as a promising treatment along with the combination of Zithromax (Z-pack).

While I was optimistic to hear about this possible remedy to give relief to COVID-19 patients, I became deeply concerned about those who already take hydroxychloroquine unrelated to COVID-19.

I am one of those patients.

In 2014. I was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease and a mild case of SLE Lupus. The medication hydroxychloroquine has saved my life.

When the announcement was made about the medication, my immediate concern was, would this prompt a surge in orders causing a short supply for those who need it?

After the FDA announced approval for the drug to be used for COVID-19 patients hospitalized or in clinical trials, the demand surged. Patients who take this drug for their autoimmune disorder immediately started to notice a shortage when it came time to refill the medication. Even some patients are rationing the amount of pills they take because of the shortage. Thankfully for myself, I have enough medication but time will only tell when I am due for a refill.

The shortage is more than concerning.

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. Without this drug, it can cause debilitating flare ups like fatigue, fever, joint pain, and inflammation. If I missed prolonged dosages of this medication, I would end up in the hospital. The hospital is the last place I want to be during a pandemic, especially being immuno-comprised.

Lupus patients already deal with the stressors of this disease. Imagine being without a medication that helps manage and lessen these symptoms.

Various organizations have taking charge by demanding government officials to address the issue. One of them is Chronic Endurance.

Chronic Endurance is a Texas non-profit who addresses issues autoimmune disease patients face. Its founder Jyrah Knight, an autoimmune warrior herself, wrote a letter to Texas governor Greg Abbott on behalf of the organization, urging Abbott to take the shortage seriously.

“I am writing this letter to express my sincere disdain and frustration about the way autoimmune disease patients are being prioritized amid the COVID 19 Crisis. Due to the presumptive statements made regarding the medication Hydroxychloroquine, many autoimmune patients including myself, are not able to receive the medication needed to sustain our daily lives.” Knight said.

The Lupus Foundation of America has also called on drug manufacturers to increase production of hydroxychloroquine, noting the efficacy and safety of these drugs for lupus are well known and routinely prescribed.

The shortage is unacceptable and the mounting frustration is understandable.

While a viable treatment and vaccine is imperative to control COVID-19, lupus patients who use the drug for survival need to be prioritized too during this crisis.

Let’s hope these officials take this seriously.