Letter to the editor: Lupus patients need hydroxychloroquine to live

Most people taking hydroxychloroquine for lupus never had any trouble acquiring it. But since it was brought to the attention of the world by the media as a possible treatment for covid-19, there has been a shortage, even though it has not been approved for covid-19 treatment.

Those of us with lupus need hydroxychloroquine to live right now. It reduces the pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as serious inflammation of other organs. I understand why people would want this drug to possibly help their loved ones. But taking it before it’s approved could cause more damage then good. Those of us with lupus need hydroxchloroquine. Please don’t hoard it.

Gloria Hathaway

North Huntingdon