ARIZONA, USA — More than 2,000 people have died in the United States from COVID-19, and drugs used to treat other diseases are now being touted as possible treatment options for coronavirus patients.
But now, patients who use those drugs now, are already seeing issues getting their prescriptions filled.
Toni Grimes was diagnosed with Lupus 13 years ago. To help manage her symptoms she’s been prescribed Hydroxychloroquine.
“It’s been my mainstay pretty much since day one,” Grimes said.
Grimes said the drug is even more important to her now since Lupus attacked her lungs, kidneys, spinal cord and brain.
"I was hospitalized for six months in a semi-vegetative state. And I had to learn how to walk, talk, and write again. So I’ve gone through the gamut of drugs, and this one’s been the one that’s been keeping me alive,” Grimes said.
Grimes, who lives in the Valley now, works with the Lupus Foundation of America as Advocate, Ambassador and Support Group Facilitator. She says some friends and members of her support group are having trouble getting their life-saving drug.
"I’ve had others where they can only get part of their prescription filled,” Grimes said.
Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine are used to treat Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Malaria, and other autoimmune diseases. More than a week ago, President Trump said it could be used to treat COVID-19.
“Based on what I see it could be a game-changer,” Trump said.
While the CDC notes several drugs are being studied, currently the FDA has not approved any drugs specifically for coronavirus patients.
“What we don’t know is when you put it in the context of another disease whether it’s safe,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Disease said.
The Lupus Foundation of America has been urging manufacturers of Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine, Congress, State Pharmacy Boards, and the White House Task Force to make sure the drug is available for Lupus patients and others who rely on it.
“We don’t have a substitute,” Grimes said. “There’s no other go-to med for this, this is the one and only.”
Grimes said the effects of going without the prescription can be severe.
“With lupus, our immune systems are already compromised. And so if we were to get a sick say, with COVID-19, it will be even worse,” Grimes said.
RELATED:
