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.

Scientists and medical professionals continue working around the clock to find a vaccine as the number of cases and deaths in the United States keeps rising.

Clinical trials for vaccines have begun, but researchers say introducing one to the public will take at least a year.

Hospitals and clinical trials use several drug treatments, but studies have not proven their effectiveness. One drug in particular is hydroxychloroquine, a drug currently used to treat malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Hydroxychloroquine Shortages Raise Concerns for Patients

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?

The FDA announced approval for the drug’s use in hospitalized COVID‑19 patients and clinical trials, and 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.

Hydroxychloroquine Access and Lupus Patient Safety

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.

Production and Advocacy Efforts

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.

COVID‑19 requires a viable treatment and vaccine, but officials must also prioritize lupus patients who rely on the drug to survive during this crisis.

Let’s hope these officials take this seriously.