Would Lake Regional Hospital Consider Treating Covid Patients With Hydroxychloroquine?

Last week, hydroxychloroquine returned as a hotly contested treatment option in the U.S. Some doctors point to their incredible success treating patients with that antiviral drug and a combination of an antibiotic and other supplements, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently authorize or recommend its use for treating Covid-19.

In a video that became the latest victim of social media and Internet censorship, multiple doctors spoke in front of the U.S. capitol in Washington, advocating for the use of hydroxychloroquine. The video met with overwhelming pushback from major media outlets as well as Dr. Anthony Fauci, who called it "a bunch of people spouting something that isn't true." The video, which was censored by YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, can be viewed here.

Thursday on NBC, however, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn deferred to take a definitive stance on the drug. “We had data that when this drug was combined with others, there was some risk associated with that. But the question you’re asking me is a decision between a doctor and a patient,” he said on the “Today” show. The FDA does allow for off-label use of the drug: in their June 15 revocation of the emergency authorization for hydroxychloroquine's use in treating Covid, the agency added, "Of note, FDA approved products may be prescribed by physicians for off-label uses if they determine it is appropriate for treating their patients, including during COVID."

So at Lake of the Ozarks, would Lake Regional Hospital physicians consider using the controversial drug, if a patient requested it? When asked, the hospital did not exactly say "no," but they certainly did not say "yes." Instead, Lake Regional says they're using techniques such as high-flow oxygen and proning, along with treatment with Remdesivir and a steroid, to treat Covid patients.

Jennifer Bethurem, Lake Regional’s VP of Public Relations and Marketing said, "Lake Regional providers follow evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of COVID-19. The current body of evidence and guidelines suggest using Remdesivir and Dexamethasone (or any other steroid) for COVID patients."

"Only evidence-based and RBI approved clinical trial based treatment options are offered and prescribed. Patient requests will be seriously considered if they are part of evidence based guidelines or part of RBI approved clinical trials."