Local woman has issues getting prescription drug for Lupus amid shortage

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Food and Drug Administration recently posted information about of shortage of hydroxychloroquine due to a surge in demand.

The drug is an anti-malaria drug also used to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

President Donald Trump has mentioned the drug during news conferences and its potential to treat coronavirus patients.

Nicole Fisher, a local woman who takes hydroxychloroquine for lupus, said she had a hard time getting the drug at a Jacksonville pharmacy.

"The store manager explained the drug is hard to get a hold of, everyone is selling out of it." Fisher said.

Fisher usually gets a 90 day supply, she was only able to get a 30 day supply.

Fisher takes the drug twice a day and will take it for the rest of her life. She worries what will come next.

Walgreens told Action News Jax it has adjusted pharmacy guidelines for filling prescriptions of the drug, limiting new and refill prescriptions to no more than 30 days.

Action News Jax also reached out to CVS, who said in part they are working closely with suppliers. Retailers are following dispensing guidelines for states that have them for COVID-19 treatment.

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