My take on POTUS and his announcement that he's taking prophylactic #Hydroxychloroquine :

We have no idea if he is actually taking it. His track record for truth telling is...well...nil. We can speculate on why he would say it though...

Regardless, 2 points:
#MedTwitter
/1

#Hydroxychloroquine is a life-saving drug that is prescribed by many doctors for many different patients who actually need it for serious illness.

In #dermatology, we are very, very familiar, and comfortable, with this drug.
/2

Does it have potentially deadly side effects?
Yes.
Does nearly every drug?
Yes. Including tylenol and ibuprofen.

The conversation around HCQ muddies up the waters around the actual benefits of this drug for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (ie, lupus).
/3

We must all be mindful of dialogue that can add fear/stigma around the use of this drug by patients who need it for their life-threatening or severe medical conditions, or for future patients who may benefit from it.

Nearly any drug used inappropriately can be deadly.
/4

A narrative that "this drug can kill you" may be confusing for patients.

If a patient comes in tomorrow with lupus, will that patient now be too afraid to be safely treated with this med?

We must choose our words carefully. They carry much weight, and are under scrutiny.

/5

For all those out there who are confused about #Hydroxychloroquine:

Don't take medical advice from POTUS, or anyone else who doesn't have the knowledge or expertise in giving said medical advice.

Don't take any medications without the guidance of your doctor.
/6

Nearly all drugs can be harmful/deadly when used inappropriately.

HCQ is an important drug for many patients and, like any drug, should only be taken for the appropriate conditions, under medical supervision.

Don't take a medicine to prevent COVID19 - WEAR A MASK.
/7

This last message is particularly important.

POTUS could have used his pulpit and power to amplify the crucial importance of wearing a mask.

Social distancing, hand-washing, and mask-wearing are our 3 best and proven methods to continue to keep our curve flattened.
/8

There is no drug to replace what wearing a mask can do.
At least, not at this time.

#MasksSaveLives, and POTUS could have used his position to amplify this crucial message.

But that's not the reality we live in...
/9

Fortunately, as doctors and healthcare providers, we do have some power, and because our words carry so much weight, we can help amplify the proper messages that our POTUS and WH won't.

Proud of so many colleague on here that are doing exactly this.

/10

Now more than ever, the words of scientists, researchers & doctors are under assault, so it's imperative we carefully guard our credibility, not add confusion, & amplify the most critical messages.

/11

To the public:
Listen to your health professionals regarding #Hydroxychloroquine, not POTUS.

And WEAR A MASK.

#MasksSaveLives
/FIN