HCQ fails to prevent severe COVID19 in 17 SLE pts (w/ CKD, GN, APL, 12 pred, 7 on immunosuppressants).14 hospitalized, 13 viral pneumonia, 11 respiratory failure, 5 ARDS; 3 ARF. Despite good HCQ levels, 2 died, 5 on ventilator, 36% D/C, 1/2 still hosp. https://t.co/e0qLGtF6Nj

Health Canada issued a safety alert noting Chloroquine & hydroxychloroquine can have serious toxicities & should only be used under a physicians supervision. Due o concern that some may be directly buying/using CQ/HCQ to treat/prevent COVID-19 https://t.co/ksxveHADZX

Sanofi announced early results of phase 2 trial of IL6 inhibitor, sarilumab, showing benefit only in Critical COVID-19 pts. 457 pts given IV Kevzara 400 mg vs 200 mg vs PBO , high dose had fewer deaths (32 v 46 v 55%) & more D/C (53 v 39 v 41%). https://t.co/6q21qJNj2C

On April 24, FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication stating HCQ and CQ have not been shown to be safe and effective in COVID-19 and that HCQ/CQ should not be used outside of hospitalized or pts in clinical trials. https://t.co/l2DNBhhvTR

The RheumNow Podcast is up! "In times of Trouble". Watch it here>> https://t.co/gapTwq3REW or listen to the podcast on iTunes or SoundCloud>> https://t.co/dpoCoX8qBR

The RheumNow Podcast is up! "In times of Trouble". ABA and DM, Zostavax fails, 3d Doubling rate, population testing, HCQ in COVID; Watch it here>> https://t.co/gapTwq3REW or listen to the podcast on iTunes or SoundCloud>> https://t.co/dpoCoX8qBR

There’s a saying that anyone driving faster than you is crazy and anyone driving slower doesn’t know how to drive. Similar with COVID-19: anyone taking more precautions than you has an anxiety issue and anyone taking fewer is an idiot.