PIJAC Information On Off-Label Usage Of Chloroquine Phosphate & COVID-19

As you may be aware, an individual recently died after using a fish product to self-medicate for prevention of COVID-19: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/man-dies-after-ingesting-chloroquine-attempt-prevent-coronavirus-n1167166

PIJAC staff have worked with our experts to put together information for the industry regarding Chloroquine Phosphate.

• Additionally, PIJAC’s media statement can be found on our website here.

Chloroquine Phosphate: Information for Industry

Some fish medications contain chloroquine phosphate or other forms of chloroquine, but the active ingredients are in a different form from those intended for human use and can be poisonous if ingested by people.

If you sell these products, whether online or at a brick and mortar store, you should clearly label the products as “not for human consumption.” As with any animal health product, under no circumstances should you be linking or marketing these products with having any human health benefits. In fact, we recommend that you actively engage customers purchasing these products to discourage them from human use.

Products marketed for fish health, veterinary use or otherwise not for human consumption should never be ingested or used for self-treatment of COVID-19 or any human medical condition. 

There are currently no drugs approved to prevent or treat COVID-19. Self-medicating to prevent or cure COVID-19 can be dangerous or deadly.
Source: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19#faqs

• There are no FDA-approved vaccines to prevent COVID-19 or other coronaviruses.
• There are no FDA-approved therapeutics (drugs) to treat COVID-19 or other coronaviruses.

The FDA has been working closely with other government agencies and academic centers that are investigating the use of the drug chloroquine, which is already approved for treating malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies are underway to determine the efficacy in using chloroquine to treat COVID-19.Source: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-continues-facilitate-development-treatments

Chloroquine should not be taken unless it has been prescribed by a doctor and obtained from a legitimate source, such as a pharmacy.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to avoid being exposed to the virus and taking steps to protect yourself as recommended by CDC:

• wash your hands frequently
• avoid close contact
• stay home if you’re sick
• cover coughs and sneezes
• wear a facemask if you’re sick
• clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html