Health Canada cautions on use of malaria drugs to treat Covid-19
The Canadian health department said the two drugs may cause serious side effects, including serious heart rhythm problems

Hydroxychloroquine and a related compound chloroquine have been used for decades to treat malaria, as well as autoimmune disorders lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Photo: AFP
Health Canada cautioned on Saturday against the use of malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to prevent or treat Covid-19.
The Canadian health department said the two drugs may cause serious side effects, including serious heart rhythm problems. It advised use of the two drugs only if prescribed by a doctor.
The US Food and Drug Administration also cautioned against the use of malaria drugs in Covid-19 patients on Friday.