Doctors, hospitals, pharmacies warned not to stockpile meds

(HealthDay)—In a joint statement released by the American Medical Association, American Pharmacists Association, and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the professional groups "strongly oppose" physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals prophylactically prescribing medications or purchasing excessive amounts or stockpiles of potential treatments for COVID-19.

The three professional societies call for the writing and dispensing of prescriptions for chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and azithromycin only for a legitimate medical purpose, as stockpiling these medications or depleting supplies with anticipatory orders can have considerable negative impact for patients with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis if the drugs are not available for regular use. The societies call for professional responsibility, including on the part of pharmacists who should "make reasonable inquiries" to ascertain the prescriptions' legitimacy for an approved medical purpose.

"The health care community must collectively balance the needs of patients taking medications on a regular basis for an existing condition with new prescriptions that may be needed for patients diagnosed with COVID-19," according to the statement. "Being just stewards of limited resources is essential."