Coronavirus update - Chloroquine authorised for use in hospitals in France

In France, the Minister of Health has authorised, supervised by decree, the prescription of chloroquine for patients with coronavirus. This is now possible at the hospital, if the doctor deems it useful.

Plaquenil, derived from chloroquine, can now be delivered to patients with Covid-19. The Minister of Health, Olivier Véran ruled, Thursday, March 26, by a decree published in the Official Journal.

Prescription of this medication is now possible in the hospital, if the doctor deems it useful, without waiting for the results of the ongoing clinical trials.

"Hydroxychloroquine and the combination of lopinavir / ritonavir may be prescribed, dispensed and administered under the responsibility of a doctor to patients affected by Covid-19, in the healthcare establishments which take charge of them, as well as for the continuation of their treatment if their condition allows it and with the authorization of the initial prescriber, at home".

This drug based on hydroxychloroquine, derived from the antimalarial chloroquine, cannot be used "in the management of Covid-19 in (city) medicine", underlined the agency of the drug ANSM, while this drug is currently the subject of a massive demand.

The decree of the Minister of Health also provides for the limitation of the dispensing of Plaquenil in pharmacies to its strict medical indications such as for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, and the prohibition of the export of specialties containing hydroxychloroquine, but also drugs containing the combination lopinavir / ritonavir, antivirals also tested against Covid-19.

Like all chloroquine medicines, Plaquenil can only be obtained with a prescription. This can indeed present risks if used without proper medical monitoring. Risks in particular cardiac and damage to the retina.

The ANSM, which recalled the strict conditions for the supply of these drugs, asked the Sanofi (Plaquenil), Abbvie (Kaletra) and Mylan (generic Kaletra) laboratories to "deliver wholesalers-distributors as soon as possible and pharmacies". 

Last local news

Evening Update Thursday 7th August 2025

A major pile-up involving around ten vehicles, including a truck and a motorcycle, occurred early on the 7th of August in the Las Planas tunnel on the... Evening Update Thursday 7th August 2025 Read More

07/08/2025

Banque Havilland Monaco rebrands as Moncrief Private Bank after acquisition

Banque Havilland (Monaco) SAM will relaunch as Moncrief Private Bank (Monaco) SAM in late 2025, following its acquisition by an international investor... Banque Havilland Monaco rebrands as Moncrief Private Bank after acquisition Read More

07/08/2025

Monaco bans electric scooters and bikes for under-14s in major road safety shake-up

Monaco has introduced a new road safety law that bans children under 14 from using electric scooters or electric bikes on public roads. The change is ... Monaco bans electric scooters and bikes for under-14s in major road safety shake-up Read More

07/08/2025

Update on wildfire in France

A devastating wildfire in southern France has burned through more than 16,000 hectares of vegetation in the Aude region, an area larger than the city ... Update on wildfire in France Read More

07/08/2025

French and Riviera News Thursday 7th August 2025

A devastating wildfire in southern France has destroyed over 15,000 hectares, making it the country’s worst blaze since 1949. French Prime Minister Fr... French and Riviera News Thursday 7th August 2025 Read More

07/08/2025