Considered Effective for Corona Covid-19 Virus, Learn the Safety of Using Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine from BPOM RI

Kapanlagi.com - The drugs named Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine are registered as drugs for coronavirus covid-19 in Indonesia. However, there has been controversy regarding the safety of using these drugs. In response to this issue, the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) provided clarification on the safety of using Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine.

Based on the strategic steps taken by the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) regarding the handling of coronavirus drugs covid-19 in Indonesia, which was published in March through the official page pom.go.id, the drugs Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine are included as one of the drugs for coronavirus covid-19.

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine are classified as antiviral therapy drugs along with other drugs such as Favipiravir, Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Oseltamvir, and Remdesivir. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently asked Indonesia to stop using Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine.

This was written by Reuters.com in their article explaining the use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine on Tuesday, (26/05/2020). The article states that Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine can cause patients to experience heart rhythm disturbances and even pose a risk of death.

Furthermore, on Thursday, (28/05/2020) Reuters.com published an article explaining that Indonesia will continue to use Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus covid-19 with strict supervision.

"According to the Department of Health, the treatment guidelines issued by five medical professions continue to evaluate the use of this drug with lower doses and shorter durations," said Wiku Adismasmito from the COVID-19 Task Force, as quoted from Reuters.com on Thursday (28/05/2020).

The Indonesian Food and Drug Administration provided clarification on the safety of using this drug on Wednesday (03/06/2020). The safety of using Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine from the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration can be found in the explanation below, quoted from the page pom.go.id.

1. About Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine (credit: freepik.com)

Quoted from a journal article entitled "Hydroxychloroquine Or Chloroqune With Or Without A Macrolide For Treatment Of COVID-19: A Multinational Registry Analysis" published by thelancet.com, it explains that these two types of drugs are usually used for autoimmune diseases or malaria.

In this case, Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine themselves are classified as hard drugs. That is why the use of these drugs must be under the supervision of a doctor. The Indonesian Food and Drug Administration provides an explanation that Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine are used in limited conditions during the corona covid-19 pandemic for corona covid-19 patients. Especially for adults and teenagers who weigh 50 kg or more and are being treated in the hospital.

2. Still Can Be Used

Illustration (credit: freepik.com)

Quoted from a journal published by thelancet.com, based on FDA's emergency use authorization, this drug can be used in patients when clinical trial access is not available. Countries like China have issued guidelines allowing the use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 coronavirus patients.

However, some other countries have discontinued the use of this drug for COVID-19 coronavirus. In response to this, the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM RI) has conducted a study with relevant experts, concluding that Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine can still be used in Indonesia for the therapy of confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus patients. However, the use is closely monitored and administered in lower doses and shorter durations.

3. Low Dose and Short Duration

Illustration (credit: freepik.com)

The use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine is supported by five professional medical organizations (PDPI, PERKI, PAPDI, PERDATIN, IDAI) according to the recommendation issued in April 2020. The recommendation explains that the use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine should be with lower dosage and shorter duration.

4. Closely Monitored

Illustration (credit: freepik.com)

As prescription drugs, the use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine is closely monitored according to the explanation from the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (Badan POM RI). The drug information for COVID-19 coronavirus and the product information published by Badan POM RI include caution about the risk of heart disorders when using them. Therefore, the use of these drugs must be under strict supervision of healthcare professionals or doctors and should be carried out in hospitals.

5. Will Continue to Monitor

In addition, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (POM RI) stated that it will continue to monitor and follow up on the use of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine. Information updates will also be provided by healthcare professionals based on data monitoring of drug side effects in Indonesia, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other national drug regulatory agencies.

That is the explanation from the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency regarding the safety of using Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine, which is said to be effective for the corona virus (COVID-19). However, it is important to note that the use of these drugs must be done under the supervision of a doctor.

In addition, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority also provides information services that the public can access if they want to know more about these drugs through email, social media, or the Consumer Complaints Service Unit at the National Center throughout Indonesia.

(kpl/nlw)