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Author
Cleve Clin J Med. 2020 May 11;ccc023.doi: 10.3949/ccjm.87a.ccc023. Online ahead of print.
Emily Littlejohn 1
Author Information
1 Department of Rheumatologic and Immunologic Disease, Cleveland Clinic.
Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is in short supply as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, presenting a challenge to rheumatologists to ensure their patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) continue to take this essential drug. HCQ is the only SLE treatment shown to increase survival and any change in the HCQ regimen is potentially dangerous. Changes in the HCQ regimen should be made jointly with the patient after a discussion of the available evidence and expert opinion and the patient's preferences. Providers need to make thoughtful, informed decisions in this time of medication shortage.