Statement regarding medications

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns have arisen related to an increased risk of acquiring the disease in patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).  Clear clinical evidence has not been established to validate these concerns. Because of the proven benefits of these drugs in patients with diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus, and the lack of evidence that using them places patients at a higher risk of acquiring COVID-19, the benefits of using the drugs outweigh any known risks.  The American College of Cardiology, The American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society of America have issued a joint statement concerning this matter:

"The continued highest standard of care for cardiovascular disease patients diagnosed with COVID-19 is top priority, but there are no experimental or clinical data demonstrating beneficial or adverse outcomes among COVID-19 patients using ACE-I or ARB medications," said Richard J. Kovacs, MD, FACC. 

At this time, it is recommended that all patients currently taking ACE inhibitors and ARBs continue to take these medications as prescribed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, unless otherwise instructed by your clinician. Continuous monitoring of the available data regarding this issue and any updated recommendations will be published as appropriate. 

Kimberly Braxton Lloyd, Pharm.D.

Fred Kam MD