Washington: US President Donald Trump has again defended the use of hydroxychloroquine to ward off coronavirus, saying many frontline medical workers agree with him that the malaria drug works in the early stages of COVID-19 infection, despite mounting evidence that it is ineffective in treating the disease.
In May, Trump disclosed that he was taking daily doses of hydroxychloroquine to ward off coronavirus after consulting the White House doctor.
“I happen to believe in it (hydroxychloroquine). I would take it. As you know, I took it for a 14-day period, and I’m here. I happen to think it works in the early stages. I think frontline medical people believe that too — some, many,” Trump told reporters at a White House news conference on Tuesday.
“But the one thing we know: It’s been out for a long time, that particular formula, and that’s essentially, what it is, the pill. And it’s been for malaria, lupus, and other things. It’s safe. It doesn’t cause problems. I had no problem. I had absolutely no problem, felt no different. Didn’t feel good, bad, or indifferent. I tested, as you know. It didn’t hurt me, and it’s not going to hopefully hurt anybody,” he said.
There is no evidence that the drug can fight the virus, and regulators warn it may cause heart problems.
Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned against the use of the drug for treatment of the coronavirus, following reports of “serious heart rhythm problems” and other health issues.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says “there is currently no proof” that it is effective as a treatment or prevents COVID-19.
“Many doctors think hydroxychloroquine is extremely successful: the hydroxychloroquine coupled with the zinc and perhaps the azithromycin.. But many doctors think it’s extremely good, and some people don’t. I think it’s become very political,” Trump said referring to the controversy surrounding the malaria drug.
There are no FDA-approved drugs for the coronavirus, which has infected more than 16 million people worldwide and killed at least 655,300, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (PTI)
