Speak with your doctor about potential COVID-19 treatment or medication

With recent talk about the use of both hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine showing some promise in treating COVID-19, some may be prompted to seek out these medications, especially during this national crisis. News reports earlier this week noted that a Phoenix couple, in an attempt to self-medicate, bought and ingested an over-the-counter version of chloroquine phosphate, commonly sold in pet stores as a fish tank cleaner. The man died, and his wife is in critical condition.

Regence wants to remind you that providers are in the best position to separate fact from fiction when it comes to medical therapies and offers the Phoenix example as a caution. As always, if you feel sick, we encourage you to call your doctor before going into an office, urgent care center or hospital. And if you need help finding an in-network doctor, you can go to regence.com and click on Find a Doctor or call us at the number on the back of your member ID card.

During this time, it’s tempting to seek out COVID-19 therapies, even if they’re unproven. We urge you to always check with your doctor about the best course of treatment for you.

We also urge you to beware of firms marketing products that claim to prevent, diagnose or treat COVID-19. These include fraudulent test kids for at-home use. The FDA has not authorized any such at-home testing at this time. Regence’s Special Investigations Unit also has offered tips for consumers to follow to prevent falling victim to a COVID-19 scam.