Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (without a party) made an error when commenting on the FDA's decision to revoke authorization for emergency use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in patients with Covid-19.
On social media, Bolsonaro wrongly said: "Contrary to what was reported by the Brazilian media, the use of hydroxychloroquine has not been abolished in the US. The revocation of "hospital use" is an authorization for use in any environment, including at home, as long as prescribed by a doctor. The measure extends the scope of treatment with Hydroxychloroquine ".
The FDA "has determined that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating Covid-19. Also, in light of serious adverse cardiac effects and other possible side effects, the known and potential benefits of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are no greater than the known and potential risks", as the statement from the regulatory agency on its website says.
Anyway, both in the USA and in Brazil, there is the possibility of off label prescription, that is, outside the package insert, under the doctor's responsibility.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon