The Department of Consumer Protection said Thursday the state of Connecticut has received a donation of hydroxychloroquine from Amneal Pharmaceuticals, which is headquartered in New Jersey.
The FDA recently authorized emergency use of the drug to treat COVID-19 in certain hospitalized patients. The drug will be distributed to acute care hospitals as they fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Hydroxychloroquine is traditionally used to treat autoimmune diseases like Lupus
“Making sure that medical facilities have the resources they need to treat patients who are in dire need of our support is an absolute priority. I want to thank Amneal Pharmaceuticals for their generous donation, along with DCP, and the Connecticut Hospital Association for working to ensure this medication goes to the right place. What we’re going through is unprecedented, and it will continue to take public-private partnerships like this to get through it.” said Governor Ned Lamont.
400,000 tablets or 4,000 bottles of the 200 mg hydroxychloroquine tablets have been shipped out and hospitals are starting to receive the drug.
The DCP said the drug was sent to hospitals based on the total number of beds the hospital is licensed for and more was sent to hospitals supporting or expecting to support the recovery centers.
“We work hard every day to ensure that patients in Connecticut have the medication that they need – and to ensure that medication is safe. As pharmacists, we care deeply about making sure that medication is not only available but that it’s prescribed and administered safely – and that it’s the best possible option for the patient. On behalf the Drug Control Division, and all of DCP, I want to thank Amneal Pharmaceuticals for their donation.” said Rodrick Marriott, state Drug Control Director.
