US regulators have revoked emergency authorisation for malaria drugs promoted by Donald Trump for treating Covid-19 amid growing evidence they do not work and could cause serious side effects. The Food and Drug Administration said hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating coronavirus. Citing reports of heart complications, the FDA said the drugs’ unproven benefits “do not outweigh the known and potential risks”. The actions by the FDA and the NIH send a clear signal to health professionals against prescribing the drugs for coronavirus. The FDA said it sampled and tested the imported drugs to confirm they met the agency’s standards for safety and quality.

Source: Irish Independent June 15, 2020 17:26 UTC