A SURVEY ON ASSESSMENT OF ADVERSE EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE PROPHYLAXIS IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Abstract

Background: There has been considerable debate regarding role of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as chemoprophylaxis against COVID-19 exposure in health care workers (HCWs). HCQ is being used since decades for treatment of malaria, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, its reported side effects are mainly relevant to long term. For the chemoprophylaxis against COVID -19, the duration of administration of HCQ is limited to few weeks. The conclusive evidence for effectiveness of HCQ in COVID-19 is yet to come, meanwhile, the present study was conducted to evaluate its safety profile when used for prophylaxis in HCWs.

Methods: The present study is a  cross-sectional study conducted among the health care workers posted in COVID-19 intensive care units. The participants were telephonically interviewed and data including demographic parameters, details of chemoprophylaxis with HCQ and side effects experienced were collected.

Results:  A total of 147 HCWs out of 197 acknowledged taking HCQ for prophylaxis against COVID-19. Forty participants reported experienced at least one adverse drug reaction following use of the drug. Among the adverse drug reactions gastrointestinal side effects were observed in 17.68% of participating HCWs followed by non-specific complains and skin problems and cardiovascular side effects. More side effects occurred in participants younger than 40 years, and those having co-morbidities.

Conclusion: There incidence of adverse events when HCQ is used as prophylaxis against COVID-19 by HCWs is found to be 27.2%.  The reported adverse events are predominantly self-limiting and younger age and presence of co-morbidities has been found to linked to increased risk of adverse events.