Chandigarh warns of HCQ side effects

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 8

The UT Health Department has issued an advisory warning the city residents about the side effects of consuming hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).

The warning, which comes after the demand for the drug soared in the city, reads, “It is brought out for information of all that it is not recommended to consume HCQ drug by public for prevention of coronavirus infection. HCQ is a derivative of anti-malarial drug.”

The department has clarified that the drug had no role in prevention of Covid infection.

The department stated, “If at all it has any role, it is in Covid patients where it may enhance the response to supportive treatment though there is no sufficient evidence to substantiate it. In fact the drug has serious side effects on the heart. At the moment, the drug cannot be recommended to be consumed by public for prevention of Covid infection.”

The PGI Director, Dr Jagat Ram, said if people started hoarding HCQ at their homes, it would create a shortage of the malaria drug required for Covid patients with mild disease and frontline health workers.

A senior doctor, wishing anonymity, said, “The drug is not given to children below 15 years of age. The drug can create problems for elderly. It has also bad effect on eyes.” At present, the department had 1 lakh HCQ tablets in its stock.