Key Insights on the Latest Hydroxychloroquine Study [Updated]

Editor’s note: This article initially discussed a study published on May 22, which was later retracted on June 5 due to concerns about the dataset’s integrity. The retraction notice is available on the Lancet’s website. 

In recent months, hydroxychloroquine has sparked significant debate as a potential miracle cure for COVID-19. Despite the enthusiasm, there is limited robust evidence supporting its effectiveness against the virus, alongside concerns about severe side effects.

Chloroquine and its derivative hydroxychloroquine, primarily known as anti-malarial drugs, are also used to treat autoimmune diseases like lupus. Both medications carry risks of toxicity. The excitement around hydroxychloroquine began with a March preprint suggesting its potential efficacy against COVID-19.

The study was retracted due to concerns over its dataset

A major study examining patients treated with hydroxychloroquine, published on May 22 in the Lancet, was retracted on June 5. The study analyzed 96,032 patients across 671 hospitals, all hospitalized between December 20, 2019, and April 14, 2020. Among these, 14,888 patients were in various treatment groups, while 81,144 served as the control group.

In the retraction letter, the authors stated they could not verify the dataset used, preventing reviewers from conducting an independent peer review. As a result, the authors could no longer guarantee the accuracy of the primary data sources.

This retraction marks a disappointing development in an already complex issue. However, it’s important to note that this retraction does not provide evidence supporting hydroxychloroquine’s safety or effectiveness for COVID-19. Concerns about its efficacy and potential risks remain unresolved.

Lack of evidence hasn’t stopped the hype

In a logical world, the absence of evidence would halt all discussions about hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 treatment. Unfortunately, that’s not our reality, and this drug is likely to remain a topic of conversation.

The evidence supporting hydroxychloroquine’s effectiveness against COVID-19 has always been weak. The initial study suggesting potential benefits was flawed, as it was small and excluded critically ill or deceased patients. Since then, numerous experts, including the FDA, have raised concerns, advising against its use outside hospitals or clinical trials. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also emphasized that the evidence was merely anecdotal.

Despite these concerns, hydroxychloroquine has been promoted as a miracle drug, leading to shortages affecting patients with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Incidents include an Arizona couple falling severely ill after consuming fish food containing chloroquine phosphate, a lockdown protester berating a TV reporter while claiming, “No, I got hydroxychloroquine, I’m fine,” and, on May 18, President Trump’s revelation that he was taking hydroxychloroquine daily. The drug’s reputation as a COVID-19 cure has taken on a life of its own, making it difficult to counter.

More evidence is still needed

While the ongoing debate over hydroxychloroquine may seem nonsensical to those closely following the issue, it can be confusing or even alarming to those unfamiliar with the controversy.

For those still uncertain about hydroxychloroquine, this latest study adds to the confusion. Despite the ongoing debate, it’s crucial to remember that there remains no evidence proving hydroxychloroquine is a safe or effective treatment for COVID-19.

Editor’s note: This article was updated on 06/16/2020 to reflect the retraction of the study published on May 22.