Is ‘so far, so good’ good enough?
The government has requested 16 million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine, a drug that has not been proven to prevent coronavirus, and has possible dangerous side effects.
This request comes after the US president Donald Trump continually promoted it at press conferences. Now, Donald Trump admits he himself is taking it.
As of yet, there is no evidence to suggest that the drug works for treating coronavirus, with recent tests finding no benefit in taking it.
Anthony Fauci, one of the US’s most trusted experts on infectious disease, warned that it had not been proven to work.
The FDA has also warned consumers against taking it, having been made aware of “serious heart rhythm problems” in patients who were treated with the malaria drugs, often in combination with antibiotic azithromycin.
And even the UK itself does not currently recommend taking it.
The UK’s decision to bulk buy the drug could have an adverse effect elsewhere, with medical groups warning earlier this year of shortages in Europe after Trump’s claims over the drug, which is used to treat malaria and lupus.
With trials now underway in the UK, the question must be asked: is ‘so far so good’ good enough?
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug. It's not proven to reduce the risk of catching coronavirus.
Donald Trump has admitted to taking it. Now the UK government has bought 16 million tablets for testing. pic.twitter.com/Z2H6cTbBdB
— PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) May 21, 2020
