US revokes emergency use of malaria drugs vs. coronavirus
WASHINGTON The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is revoking its emergency authorization for malaria drugs promoted by President Donald Trump for treating COVID-19 amid growing evidence they dont work and could cause deadly side effects. The agency said Monday that the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating the coronavirus. Citing reports of heart complications, the FDA said the drugs pose a greater risk to patients than any potential benefits. The decades-old drugs, also prescribed for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause heart rhythm problems, severely low blood pressure and muscle or nerve damage. On Thursday, a National Institutes of Health expert panel revised its guidelines to specifically recommend against the drugs use except in formal studies.