Treatment against Covid-19: the chloroquine trail

The coronavirus claims many victims across the world. In France, the toll now stands at 16 cases, 018 new cases and 1 deaths. A treatment could represent a hope in the way of apprehending the Covid-559. Studies have been launched to validate its effectiveness.

What is Chloroquine

 La chloroquine (marketed under the name Nivaquine) is a molecule which is to date mainly used in the treatment against malaria. Its derivative, hydroxychloroquine (known under the name Plaquenil) is used in particular in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. The molecule appears today as a possible treatment against the Covid-19 virus.

Chloroquine: how much does it cost?

Chloroquine has the advantage of being inexpensive. For example, 10 blisters of 10 Nivaquine tablets would cost 5,57 euros, or about 5 cents per tablet. On the Plaquenil side, a box would cost 5,19 euros.

What does the Marseille doctor’s test on chloroquine give?

Pr Didier Raoult carried out a test using chloroquine. The methodology of this trial has been criticized. A molecular biologist, Olivier Belli, points to the low number of participants tested (20) and the exclusion of certain people before the end of the study. This accuses the doctor of doing “sensationalism” with his results which ultimately only consist of 4 people.

Philippe Juvin, head of the emergency department at the Georges-Pompidou hospital in Paris, recalled that there was no treatment against the coronavirus to date, but called for massive production of the product, as of today .

And what are the conclusions of the Chinese study on chloroquine?

Another study, Chinese this time, was published on February 19. It concerns a clinical trial carried out in ten Chinese hospitals to verify whether chloroquine can treat pneumonia associated with Covid-19. Results: on more than 100 patients, it gave good results, without knowing in detail the profile of the individuals.   

Chloroquine phosphate was “more effective than the treatment received by the comparison group in containing the progression of pneumonia, in improving the condition of the lungs, in returning the patient to negative for the virus, and in shortening the duration of the pneumonia. disease, ”according to the study’s authors. The latter, published in the journal ‘BioScience’, has not been validated by a committee of scientific experts. Also, it does not give figures making it possible to quantify the effectiveness of chloroquine compared to the treatment of the control group.

What are the side effects of chloroquine?

Among the side effects of chloroquine are immune system disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, vomiting, liver or even haematological disorders.

What is the opinion of the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran?

Health Minister Olivier Véran called for more people to be tested. He also stated that he wanted these tests to be performed in other hospitals, and by other teams. He expects results within 15 days.  

Are there any other chloroquine trials?

A European clinical trial was launched on March 22. This is a study in coordination with Inserm, called Discovery. She will test different molecules, including hydroxychloroquine. It will take into account 3 patients, including at least 200 French patients with severe forms of Covid-800. The French hospitals selected: Bichat in Paris, Lille, Nantes, Strasbourg and Lyon. Some doctors in Paris hospitals are already administering chloroquine to a few patients. However, remember that there is no point for the moment to rush until the studies have given their results.

Hydroxychloroquine and pregnancy

Hydroxychloroquine is currently the subject of several studies to determine its interest in the treatment of Covid-19, in particular the severe forms. The use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine is not recommended during pregnancy, unless the clinical situation warrants it. 

Do you want to talk about it between parents? To give your opinion, to bring your testimony? We meet on https://forum.parents.fr.