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.
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.
At the White House on Monday, the President expressed bewilderment again about critics of the drug.
“I can't complain about it,” Mr. Trump told reporters. “It took it for two weeks, and I'm here - here we are. And we've had some great studies.”
But while other countries have promoted the drug, the FDA has resisted its use.
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