FDA warns against use of Trump-touted drugs for COVID-19 News
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FDA warns against use of Trump-touted drugs for COVID-19

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety announcement on Friday warning against the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine to treat COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or clinic trials.

“Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have not been shown to be safe and effective for treating or preventing COVID-19,” said the FDA in its statement on Friday. The agency issued the statement because it was aware of dangers and increased outpatient uses.

The FDA said it is aware of reports of “serious heart rhythm problems in patients with COVID-19.” The FDA warned that use without close supervision is not advised because the drugs can cause abnormal heart rhythm and a “dangerously rapid heart rate called ventricular tachycardia.”

Additionally, the FDA was aware of the increased use of the two medicines through outpatient prescriptions. Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are two FDA-approved drugs used to treat and prevent malaria. Additionally, hydroxychloroquine is FDA-approved to treat autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. However, in recent weeks, President Donald Trump has touted the two drugs as a potential treatment for COVID-19 despite a chorus of scientists and health experts’ warnings that the drugs still need to undergo clinical trials.

Friday’s safety announcement does not halt further trials. The FDA said it will continue to study the drugs’ effectiveness in treating the coronavirus under close supervision in clinical trials and when the agency authorizes temporary use for hospitalized patients if clinical trials are unavailable.

For more on COVID-19, see our special coverage.