Donald Trump is “fighting” coronavirus with hydroxychloroquine: The US President said he is using hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure for the coronavirus. Hydroxychloroquine, a controversial anti-malaria drug, is being touted as a potential treatment for the coronavirus, although there is no evidence to support it.
The Food and Drug Administration has not authorized it as a preventive drug, but has allowed emergency use, and administration to COVID-19 in clinical trials or hospitals. However, hydroxychloroquine is known for its side effects on heart rhythm, and it is recommended not to use it outside of the above cases.
When Donald Trump was asked by a journalist why he takes the drug, he answered: «I think it's good, I have heard many good stories». He also said that together with hydroxychloroquine he takes zinc, and so far he has not been infected by the virus.
"A lot of people are taking it, a lot of frontline workers. There's a good chance it's going to have an impact, especially early on."
The clinical studies that are being conducted have covered the majority of cases, from patients with severe symptoms to patients with mild ones. Most scientific evidence so far shows that the condition of coronavirus patients who have been given hydroxychloroquinehas not improved much. Studies have shown an increase in mortality, while there are no positive results even for its combination with azithromycin. In fact, adverse effects have been reported in several patients.
Australian National University geneticist and infectious disease specialist Gaetan Burgio is monitoring clinical data on hydroxychloroquine and says that “there is now a growing body of evidence that hydroxychloroquine does not protect against or cure COVID-19,” and he argues that there is no evidence that Donald Trump will be protected.
On the other hand, Donald Trump's doctor stated that after many discussions he had with the President of the United States, and based on the data regarding the advantages and side effects it may have, they concluded that the benefits outweigh the risks.
