Hydroxychloroquine has attracted significant news coverage over the past two weeks as a potential treatment for Covid-19, which, at the time of writing, has caused more than 120,000 deaths globally.
Approved to treat malaria and lupus, hydroxychloroquine has been heralded by US President Donald Trump as a very promising drug to fight Covid-19 or what he calls the ‘invisible enemy’ during his press briefings over the 4 and 5 April.
He stated: “What do you have to lose? Take it.” However, Trump did acknowledge that he is: “Not a doctor,” and advised people to talk to their doctors about the medication.
In the 5 April briefing, President Trump claimed the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the drug. However, the regulator is