The drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are more often used to treat malaria.
"These are extraordinary times for the world, our nation, and the great state of Ohio. While we are seeing the absolute best of our healthcare professionals as they help to address the COVID-19 crisis, we will remain vigilant to address any self-serving behavior by any member of the medical community. Be assured that we will do our due diligence in holding accountable anyone who may be prescribing outside a legitimate medical purpose,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
On March 22, DeWine authorized the state board to file the emergency rule, which puts the following into place:
- (A) Unless otherwise approved by the board's executive director, no prescription for chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may be dispensed by a pharmacist or sold at retail by a licensed terminal distributor of dangerous drugs unless all the following apply:
- (1) The prescription bears a written diagnosis code from the prescriber; and
- (2) If written for a COVID-19 diagnosis, the diagnosis has been confirmed by a positive test result, which is documented on the prescription and both of the following apply:
- (a) The prescription is limited to no more than a fourteen-day supply; and
- (b) No refills may be permitted unless a new prescription is furnished.
Prescriptions for either presumptive positive patients or prophylactic use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine related to COVID-19 is strictly prohibited unless otherwise approved by the board's executive director in consultation with the board president, at which time a resolution shall issue, a release read.
>>Malaria drugs' promise for coronavirus spurs hope, shortages
“We will move swiftly to identify and prosecute any wrongdoing that is a violation of federal or state law. We are committed to pursuing all remedies to address misconduct associated with the allegations leading to the Board of Pharmacy action, including seeking criminal penalties where appropriate,” the Department of Justice said.
About the Author