People have been stockpiling COVID-19 trial drugs. Idaho becomes 1st state to try to stop it

Idaho became the first state to put restrictions on pharmacists filling new prescriptions for two anti-malarial drugs undergoing testing to determine their efficacy in treating coronavirus.

When word starting spreading nationally about the potential use of combating the coronavirus with two already available drugs, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, it started a run on the drugs. Some doctors began writing prescriptions for themselves, family members or other associates in an effort to stockpile the drugs.

Idaho State Board of Pharmacy acted quickly to put a stop to the practice when it became aware it was happening in Idaho.

“Attempts to ‘stockpile’ were reported by multiple pharmacies across the state,” Nicki Chopski, executive director of the board, told the Statesman on Tuesday.

Wanting to get out in front of this problem as quickly as it could, the state board on March 19 imposed a temporary rule limiting new prescriptions to people who have a diagnosis that supports the need for the medication.

Chopski said Idaho is the first state to enact such limits. Other states have since adopted similar rules, according to a March 24 New York Times article.

Idaho’s new rule prohibits pharmacies from dispensing chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine unless the prescription includes a written diagnosis with evidence for its use. The prescription is limited to no more than a 14-day supply for new prescriptions, and no refills are allowed unless a new prescription is furnished.

In addition to treating malaria, the two drugs also are prescribed to treat some autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Stockpiling of these drugs is causing for problems for existing users trying to refill their prescriptions.

This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 1:31 PM.