Despite a personal endorsement and use by President Donald Trump, the Food and Drug Administration on Monday revoked its emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine as a way to treat the Coronavirus, as the feds say the side effects caused by the drug outweigh any benefits of its use.
In a statement, the FDA said it had "determined that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating COVID-19."
"Additionally, in light of ongoing serious cardiac adverse events and other potential serious side effects, the known and potential benefits of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine no longer outweigh the known and potential risks for the authorized use," the statement added.
In a statement, FDA officials said "hydroxychloroquine showed no benefit on mortality or in speeding recovery" for those with the Coronavirus, as the agency cited a 'rigorous assessment' by government scientists.
Based on continued review of scientific data, FDA has determined that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating #COVID19 and therefore we are revoking the emergency use authorization for these drugs: https://t.co/k9kJMeci0a pic.twitter.com/W2aItvFcBU
— FDA Drug Information (@FDA_Drug_Info) June 15, 2020
NEW: The FDA today removed its energency authorization of hydroxychloroquine that under political pressure was issued in March.
— Andy Slavitt @ 🏡 (@ASlavitt) June 15, 2020
It didn’t work & caused heart attacks.
Most often used as an anti-malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine has become the subject of a giant political tussle in recent months, with the President and some conservative Republicans recommending its use, while critics say it smacks of medical quackery.
Cox Media Group