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A global survey of physicians in early April 2020 found that hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin were prescribed or seen to be prescribed by nearly 50% of respondents. However, only 38% perceived… Click to show full abstract
A global survey of physicians in early April 2020 found that hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin were prescribed or seen to be prescribed by nearly 50% of respondents. However, only 38% perceived efficacy in COVID-19.10 Some healthcare workers have prescribed hydroxychloroquine for themselves and their families. This represents extrapolation of the very low-quality evidence for treatment11 to experimental use for prophylaxis.12 The decision may have been their own, but it has been rumoured that some doctors were advised by their employer to self-prescribe hydroxychloroquine due to their increased risk of being infected by patients with COVID-19. This highlights the ethical questions about prescribing experimental treatments.13 It is important to distinguish off-label from experimental prescribing.
Journal Title: Australian Prescriber
Year Published: 2020
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