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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMayo Clinic cardiologist: 'Inexcusable' to ignore hydroxychloroquine side effects
[link:https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/mayo-clinic-cardiologist-inexcusable-ignore-hydroxychloroquine-side-effects-n1178776|
After observing the debate over hydroxychloroquine on TV news and in social media, Dr. Michael Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist who is director of the Mayo Clinic's Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, took the unusual step in late March of issuing guidance for physicians.
Mayo Clinic cardiologist: 'Inexcusable' to ignore hydroxychloroquine side effects
While safe for most, the drug carries serious side effects for some, including sudden cardiac arrest.
"What disturbed me the most was when I was seeing not political officials say these medications are safe but seeing on the news cardiologists and infectious disease specialists say" hydroxychloroquine "is completely safe without even mentioning this rare side effect," Ackerman said in an interview.
"That's inexcusable," he added.
Ackerman and his Mayo Clinic colleagues created a cardiac algorithm, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, to help physicians more safely prescribe hydroxychloroquine by identifying patients at greatest risk for drug-induced sudden cardiac death.
SlimJimmy
(3,171 posts)ProfessorGAC
(64,425 posts)Seems nontrivial.
SlimJimmy
(3,171 posts)Not early treatment. I read the reports and looked at the data.
ProfessorGAC
(64,425 posts)It was a passing remark about the possibility of dying from cardiac arrest.
The frequency or likelihood is not at issue.
So, your comment seems a non sequitur.
SlimJimmy
(3,171 posts)patients. Not newly diagnosed or mild infections.
StarryNite
(9,366 posts)It doesn't matter when it's given, this drug can prolong the QT which can be lethal in people who already have a prolonged QT such as those with Long QT Syndrome.
SlimJimmy
(3,171 posts)It's combining it with the zpac. Please do not spread disinformation as it confuses folks. Most of the known side effects are occuring with end stage patients. Hcq on its own has been safe and effective for over 50 years. End of story.
wishstar
(5,267 posts)"While hydroxychloroquine is likely to be safe for 90 percent of the population, Ackerman said, it could pose serious and potentially lethal risks to a small number of those susceptible to heart conditions, especially those with other chronic medical problems already on multiple medications.
In fact, a small recent study showed that up to 11 percent of coronavirus patients on hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin are in the so-called "red zone" for potential cardiac side effects."
SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)I know I had read some years ago that azythromyacin was a cardiac risk to patients with lyme disease. Maybe it is the combo? Dunno but anything dump says is a lie, so I personally would opt for different trearment.
SlimJimmy
(3,171 posts)SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)It has been years...
4139
(1,893 posts)Dr. Ackerman says that patients under 40 with mild symptoms and a QTc greater than or equal to 500 milliseconds may choose to avoid treatment altogether, as the arrhythmia risk may far outweigh the risk of developing COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, in COVID-19 patients with a QTc greater than or equal to 500 milliseconds who have progressively worsening respiratory symptoms or are at greater risk of respiratory complications due to advanced age, immunosuppression or having another high-risk condition, the potential benefit of QTc-prolonging medicines may exceed the arrhythmia risk.
"Importantly, the vast majority of patients ― about 90% ― are going to be QTc cleared with a 'green light go' and can proceed, being at extremely low risk for this side effect," says Dr. Ackerman.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-provides-urgent-guidance-approach-to-identify-patients-at-risk-of-drug-induced-sudden-cardiac-death-from-use-of-off-label-covid-19-treatments/
4139
(1,893 posts)The Mayo article talks about them... they range from $89 to $189....
Whodathunkit!
😁👍
beachbumbob
(9,263 posts)SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)SlimJimmy
(3,171 posts)FDA has approved it for off label use.