The U.S. President has revealed that he is taking drug hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus. Sparking criticism including from Nancy Pelosi who said the obese president is putting his health at risk. Trump has said he started taking the medication a couple of weeks ago. He has before touted hydroxychloroquine as a coronavirus cure. But the FDA has warned the drug which is typically used to treat malaria. It has a range of possibly lethal side-effects and has not proven as an effective Coronavirus treatment. Several studies are underway into the drug and whether it can also protect against coronavirus.
But so far there is no clear evidence it is beneficial. Following Trump’s admission, House Speaker Pelosi. Said in a statement that, “He’s our president and I would rather he not be taking something that has not approved by the scientists. Especially in his age group and in his, must we say, weight group, what is morbidly obese, they say. So, I think that it’s not a good idea”.
Yet, a memo released by the White House shows that physician Dr. Sean Conley. Discussed the drug with Trump and concluded that the potential benefits of taking it outweighed the risks. Trump’s spokeswoman later clarified that the president. Had prescribed the drug and has been taking it after Dr. Conley’s note omitted those two facts.
“I would rather he not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists, especially in his age group, and in his, shall we say, weight group: ‘Morbidly obese,’ they say,” says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Pres. Trump’s revelation he is taking hydroxychloroquine. pic.twitter.com/0ImjpEjg9q
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) May 19, 2020
Trump’s Statement
The president said he does not have the virus, which has infected 1.53 million Americans and killed more than 90,000. But speaking at the White House during an event with restaurant workers he said, “I’m taking it hydroxychloroquine. Right now yeah. A couple of weeks ago, I started taking it”. Trump did not say what prompted him to start taking the drug. Though it comes after several White House staffers diagnosed with coronavirus.
The Food and Drug Administration warned in April that hydroxychloroquine can increase the risk of death in people. Especially those with heart problems, and cautioned against its use. A study of 150 patients published in the peer-reviewed medical journal found. That the drug did not significantly improve outcomes for coronavirus patients. But did induce potentially serious side effects in a third of those taking it.
Trump also added “He took one dose of the z-pack antibiotic and is now taking a zinc supplement along with daily hydroxychloroquine pill. He said he has no side effects.