Rise and Fall: Hydroxychloroquine and COVID‐19 Global Trends: Interest, Political Influence, and Potential Implications

Englund, Tessa R.; Kinlaw, Alan C.; Sheikh, Saira Z.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has led to rapid research and reporting on potential preventatives and treatments for the disease, including the drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Despite a lack of robust evidence to support the use of HCQ for treatment of COVID‐19, it was publicly endorsed and received widespread media coverage and public interest. The purpose of this report is to describe and contextualize the surges in public interest, demand, and adoption of HCQ for treatment of COVID‐19 and outline implications for future public health policy and practice. METHODS: Using national and global events and Google Trends data as a measure of public interest, we describe the timeline and trends in the emergence of, interest in, and adoption of HCQ as a treatment of COVID‐19. We additionally review reports on public demand for HCQ for treatment of COVID‐19 and impacts on medication access among patients with indicated uses. RESULTS: Public interest and demand for HCQ surged in the United States and globally following endorsements from public officials and enaction of policies to facilitate off‐label use of HCQ for treatment of COVID‐19. Surges in demand for HCQ led to multiple documented shortages and barriers to accessing HCQ treatment for patients with indicated uses for HCQ. Although there have been reversals in policies to support HCQ use for treatment of COVID‐19 in some regions, others have continued or expanded recommended uses. CONCLUSION: Insights from the global response to HCQ and COVID‐19 can be used to inform prudent decision‐making in the future to prevent premature action and promote informed and equitable responses to promote public health.