Joint Statement of the AMA, APhA, and ASHP on FDA Action to Remove Emergency Use Authorization of Medications to Treat COVID-19

The American Medical Association, American Pharmacists Association, and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists appreciates the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) continuing efforts to review and advise the nation on the safe and effective use of hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and other medications to prevent and treat coronavirus. We recognize the body of evidence for addressing the COVID-19 global pandemic is evolving rapidly, requiring vigilant yet timely decision making. 

We emphasize that the FDA’s recent announcement to cancel the emergency use authorizations for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for certain hospitalized patients with COVID-19 does not apply to other evidence-based uses of these medications for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Our organizations continue to advocate for medication-use policies that ensure patients who need hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine do not face unintended barriers to evidence-based care. 

We encourage patients and healthcare providers to consult the FDA’s Frequently Asked Questions on the Revocation of the EUA for Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Phosphate, and COVID-19 related information and resources available from our three organizations. 

AMA COVID-19 Resource Center for Physicians
APhA COVID-19 Resource Center
ASHP COVID-19 Resource Center

About the AMA
The American Medical Association is the powerful ally and unifying voice for America’s physicians, the patients they serve, and the promise of a healthier nation. The AMA attacks the dysfunction in health care by removing obstacles and burdens that interfere with patient care. It reimagines medical education, training, and lifelong learning for the digital age to help physicians grow at every stage of their careers, and it improves the health of the nation by confronting the increasing chronic disease burden. For more information, visit ama-assn.org.

About the American Pharmacists Association
The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, is a 501 (c)(6) organization, representing 60,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA is dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care and is the first and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. For more information, please visit www.pharmacist.com.

About ASHP
ASHP represents pharmacists who serve as patient care providers in acute and ambulatory settings. The organization’s nearly 55,000 members include pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. For more than 75 years, ASHP has been at the forefront of efforts to improve medication use and enhance patient safety. For more information about the wide array of ASHP activities and the many ways in which pharmacists advance healthcare, visit ASHP’s website, ashp.org, or its consumer website, SafeMedication.com.