Results from large, well-designed studies are essential to determine if the benefits of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine outweigh their risks in the treatment of COVID-19. Health Canada has authorized clinical trials with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19. The best way to access experimental therapies is through clinical trials. There are a number of medications being investigated to treat or prevent COVID-19, both in Canada and internationally. Health Canada has not authorized any drugs to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 Footnote 1 and has warned Canadians about products making false and misleading claims. Children are especially sensitive to these drugs, and even small doses taken by children can be dangerous. The effects on heart rhythm, which in the most serious cases, may be fatal. They are known to potentially cause liver or kidney problems, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and nervous system problems such as dizziness, fainting, or seizures. Health Canada is concerned that some people may be directly buying and using chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to prevent or treat COVID-19 without a prescription.Ĭhloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are approved prescription medications to treat malaria and certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients should use these drugs only under the supervision of a physician. The risk of these side effects may increase at higher doses, or if the drugs are used in combination with other drugs, such as the antibiotic azithromycin. Ottawa â Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine may cause serious side effects, including serious heart rhythm problems.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |