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New York, NY (April 30, 2020) – Following last week’s release of a report showing results from VA use of hydroxychloroquine in treating veterans with COVID-19, IAVA continues its call for clarity around VA’s policies for its use and asks for the release of additional results.
Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization Fact Sheet:
“Hydroxychloroquine sulfate has not been approved for the treatment of COVID-19. It has been used experimentally to treat certain people with COVID-19, including hospitalized patients…It is not approved by FDA for the treatment of COVID-19, but emergency use has been authorized…There is limited information known about the safety and effectiveness of using hydroxychloroquine sulfate for hospitalized patients with COVID-19.”
“It is unknown if hydroxychloroquine is effective in treating COVID-19, and it is being given to veterans and other patients to find out,” said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “That, by definition, makes it experimental. VA can take umbrage with our use of words, but that does not change the fact that the efficacy of using hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 is unknown. In light of the results of the VA’s usage of that drug in treating patients highlighted in last week’s report, we continue to ask for clarity in the unanswered questions we raised.”
IAVA has consistently put forth the following questions to the VA:
What broad guidance has been given to doctors and patients on the use of the hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19?
-Does VA still use hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19?
-What have been the results of those treated beyond what was included in last week’s report?
-What results led to the VA conclusion that it is more effective in treating younger and middle aged veterans?
-Is VA sharing the results with the larger medical community and government in order to inform the discussion around the use of hydroxychloroquine?
“Whether or not they like our raising of these questions, I would expect VA to share the results of their use of hydroxychloroquine with the greater medical community so that others can benefit from what was learned.” Butler continued. “At the end of the day, there is still no scientific conclusion showing if it is or is not effective in treating COVID-19. Ultimately we’re simply calling for transparency, clarity and consistency.”
Butler added, “Finally, IAVA continues to encourage VA to improve upon its communication of its COVID-19 fight with veterans and other stakeholders. Consistent messages and regular press briefings are a critical part of that. To a lesser extent, VA leadership one-off media appearances can get the message out, but they go unheard by many who would benefit unless they are also pushed out on VA.gov and via VA social media on a regular basis. This would enable IAVA, other VSOs, individual veterans and supporters to share widely. Help IAVA help the VA.”
