Weeks ago, President Donald Trump claimed that Plaquenil, better known as hydroxychloroquine, could help fight COVID-19 which is affecting over a million people globally. The FDA approved them to be manufactured straight to the hospital although it is not approved for the treatment for the virus. But regarding lupus patients and others who depend on that medication, The Lupus Foundation wrote a letter to the White House asking them to “prevent price increases” and “refills for a 90-day supply”.
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the body. Effects include extreme pain, fatigue, and organ damage. According to Lupus.org, lupus affects more black women. Research shows that the illness affects one of every 537 black women. African American patients are also more likely to have organ system problems and lower levels of support compared to their white counterparts.
One celebrity who suffers from this autoimmune disorder is the legendary R&B singer Toni Braxton who opened up about her struggles. In an interview with theGrio, Braxton described her experience following her diagnosis in 2008 after suffering a heart attack during a performance in Las Vegas. Braxton said, “When I was first diagnosed I felt that I had no one to help me…I always try to be vocal and educate people. I remember being afraid and I don’t want anyone to feel that feeling that I had.”
Unfortunately, those suffering from lupus have a stronger chance of contracting coronavirus.
Texas resident and lupus patient Lana De Leon expressed her concerns about the possibility of not receiving refills of her prescribed medication. “[Without the medicine], every day feels like the flu. I am trying to breathe.” De Leon was diagnosed after being hospitalized for feeling bad so often.
According to Adrienne Kohlenberg, the patient services marketing manager with Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter said that these patients need this to survive and “to not go into a flare and potentially die”.
