The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked their Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. The EUA allowed both drugs to be prescribed in limited and controlled ways and be stockpiled for usage while studies of the drugs’ effectiveness in treatment and prevention occurred. 

Though some studies are still occurring, early clinical trial results have led the FDA and other health agencies to conclude that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine may not be effective in the treatment of COVID-19 and their potential benefits do not outweigh the risk for the treatment and prevention of the virus.

At this time, it is unknown whether the end of the EUA will impact the current hydroxychloroquine shortage and how long it will take for the supply of the drug to return to pre-pandemic levels. Read these tips if you are having trouble filling your hydroxychloroquine prescription. 

Read the FDA’s full statement on revoking the EUA for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.