Did Hydroxychloroquine Cause Thousands of Deaths During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

In a new analysis conducted by French researchers, it is suggested that nearly 17,000 individuals across six countries may have lost their lives due to the use of hydroxychloroquine (HQC) during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, was initially prescribed off-label as a potential treatment and preventive measure for COVID-19. However, subsequent studies indicated not only the absence of any benefit from the drug but also an increased risk of death.

The researchers, based in Lyon, France, and Quebec, Canada, discovered that despite the lack of evidence supporting its clinical benefits, some healthcare providers continued to prescribe hydroxychloroquine to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. By examining various studies that tracked hospitalizations, hydroxychloroquine exposure, and the relative risk of death associated with the drug, the analysis estimated that around 16,990 excess deaths in six countries—Turkey, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, and the United States—could be attributed to hydroxychloroquine use.

The toxicity of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients was found to be partly due to cardiac side effects, such as abnormal heart rhythms. However, the researchers cautioned that their figures might represent an undercount but could also potentially be an overestimate. The study's timeframe only spanned from March to July 2020, and there was a lack of comprehensive data from many countries. As a result, the actual number of deaths related to hydroxychloroquine could range from 3,000 to 30,000, according to the researchers.

Furthermore, the researchers highlighted that the worldwide death toll associated with hydroxychloroquine was likely underestimated due to limited studies conducted in regions such as East Europe, the United Kingdom, Germany, Scandinavia, Africa, and South America. Given the widespread use of hydroxychloroquine during the early and subsequent waves of the pandemic in numerous countries, the true number of hydroxychloroquine-induced deaths may be significantly higher.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted hydroxychloroquine temporary emergency use authorization on March 28, 2020, but later revoked it on June 15, 2020. Former President Trump repeatedly endorsed the drug, referring to hydroxychloroquine and its related medication, chloroquine, as potential "miracles" in combating COVID-19. During White House coronavirus briefings, Trump encouraged the public to consider taking the drug, stating, "What do you have to lose? Take it."

While the analysis suggests a significant number of deaths may have been linked to hydroxychloroquine use during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to note that subsequent research has not supported its efficacy in treating or preventing the disease.