其 他 安 全 警 示
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| Singapore: Use of hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) in the context of COVID 19: Risk of QT prolongation and drug／drug interactions (English only) |
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Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announces that a Dear Healthcare Professional Letter has been issued by Sanofi to highlight to healthcare professionals the known risk of QT prolongation and drug-drug interactions associated with hydroxychloroquine and that prescription of hydroxychloroquine for the management of COVID-19 is off-label.
A significant number of serious and life-threatening cases of QT prolongation, torsade de pointe, syncope, cardiac arrest, and sudden death in the context of COVID-19 management has been reported to Sanofi. In most of these cases, hydroxychloroquine was co-administered with other drugs known to induce QT prolongation (e.g., azithromycin). The majority of patients recovered after hydroxychloroquine discontinuation. In view of the seriousness of these cases, healthcare professionals are advised to show caution in using hydroxychloroquine off-label in the management of COVID-19. In particular, in patients with specific risk factors (e.g., co-administration of hydroxychloroquine with other drugs known to prolong the QT interval, such as some anti-infectives, including azithromycin), cardiac ECG monitoring at hospital is advised.
Please refer to the following website in HSA for details:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/announcements/dear-healthcare-professional-letter/use-of-hydroxychloroquine-(plaquenil)-in-the-context-of-covid-19-risk-of-qt-prolongation-and-drug-drug-interactions
In Hong Kong, there are 5 registered pharmaceutical products containing hydroxychloroquine, and all products are prescription-only medicines. So far, the Department of Health (DH) has received 4 cases of adverse drug reaction related to hydroxychloroquine, but these cases are not related to heart rhythm problems.
Related news on the risk of heart rhythm problems associated with the use of hydroxychloroquine was previously issued by various overseas drug regulatory authorities, and was posted on the Drug Office website since 24 Apr 2020, with the latest update posted on 30 May 2020. Adverse effects and precautions about heart rhythm problems associated with the use of hydroxychloroquine are documented in overseas reputable drug references such as the “Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference”. The DH will remain vigilant on safety update of the drugs issued by other overseas drug regulatory authorities.
Ends/Wednesday, Jun 3, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:00
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