THERE have been a lot of debates nowadays regarding the use of hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19. I have friends who are practicing Tropical and Infectious Medicine who swore to the effectiveness of the anti-malarial agent hydroxychloroquine, in combination with azithromycin.
The problem here is there is no longer hydroxychloroquine in the market, since most of the areas in Davao region has been malaria-free for years now. Thus, I asked a good friend of mine who is a physician as well here in Davao about this combination. However, she told me that management of Covid-19 should be evidenced-based.
But, we are racing against time, aren't we? At times like this, we can do things to help others, as long as they work.
I have also contacted the local DOH about this. But, three weeks have passed and I heard nothing from them. Maybe, they are just so busy working against Covid-19.
To this date, a news came out that thousands of doctors around the world confirm the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine against the virus. Dr. Cardillo, CEO of Mend Urgent Care who has locations in Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys and Burbank, said that hydroxychloroquine works in combination with zinc because hydroxychlorooquine opens up the channel for zinc to enter the cell and stop the virus from replicating.
Dr. Mohammud Alam, an Infectious specialist in Plainview Hospital, claimed that he does not use the hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin combination in high-risk patients who have heart disease issues, since this combination triggers heart attack. Instead, he replaces azithromycin with another antibiotic which is safe for those who have heart problems. He, too, confirms the effectiveness of the antibiotic/anti-malarial combination.
I hope this helps us all. Keep safe everyone. Don't forget to pray.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
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(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She is the anchor of Secrets of Dr. Fritz, of Hugyaw.com. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, "Healthy is Sexy Secrets niDr. Fritz.". For your questions, you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don't wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)