FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Not the easiest name to pronounce, but that hasn’t stopped hydroxychloroquine from being one of the most talked about drugs this year.
It also happens to be one of the most debated. The once glowing reviews for the presumed answer to COVID-19 is now facing scrutiny from studies suggesting could actually make symptoms worse.
On Friday the FDA issued a warning saying the drug shouldn’t be used outside of hospitals or clinical trials.
That’s not stopping local doctors who are part of the HERO registry from beginning a study of their own starting Monday to see if it’s an effective option for those on the frontlines of this battle.
"I think being educated is very important in realizing the difference in the patient populations," said Dr. Aaron Milstone with the Williamson County Medical Center.
Dr. Milstone is part of a study organized by the recently launched HERO registry that's getting a lot of attention on its own.
"It’s a very expeditious trial, designed to get that 15,000 enrollment quickly so we can find something to protect our healthcare workers from COVID-19," said. Dr. Milstone.
For the group, the first order of business is a clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine with the goal of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The subjects will be health care workers on the frontlines.
“Using a drug is always different when you’re using it in a healthy population, versus a sick population and I think it’s important for the public to realize that," Dr. Milstone said.
Beginning Monday, more than 15,000 health care workers across the country will take part in the trial.
Taking either a placebo or a dose of the real thing, 40% less than other studies for the next 30 days.
Then it’s 30 days off the drug, before doctor’s test to see if it made a difference.
"It is a well-known drug. It’s not an experimental drug. We know what the side effects are of this medication already," said Dr. Andy Russell, an emergency room physician at Williamson County Medical Center.
Dr. Russell is one of the 15,000 taking part in the study. He said while he knows risks, he also knows what’s at stake.
"While we take all necessary precautions out there including our personal protective equipment, it would still be nice to know that there is something out there that can prevent us from getting it," Dr. Russell said.
