Coronavirus: Strictly Avoid Self-Medication

It is true that the whole world is spinning around with COVID-19. Though there was a time when the whole world thought that there were chances that only the fittest might survive, the advent of vaccines has proved it wrong. Still, the novel Coronavirus and its newer variants arebeating up many to death. When many facts are hidden or unknown, it is not wise to choose medications on your own or by just believing a myth.

Does Chloroquine Benefit COVID Patients?

An anti-malarial drug called Chloroquine was said to be a treatment for COVID-19, whereas, till this minute, no actual medication is known to be found that can cure COVID. But, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) organization submitted a statement to clarify that Chloroquine is not the right choice to pause COVID-19. Before you start using a drug, make sure it gets approved by the government.

What Is Chloroquine?

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine are antimalarial drugs. It was discovered in 1934. They are also helpful in the treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine has lesser toxic effects than Chloroquine. This drug was tested for COVID-19 because of the drug’s antiviral property, which was described in a research article in 2003.

But the World Health Organization (WHO) has already claimed that Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine show no effects in COVID patients. Based on their studies on Chloroquine as a preventive treatment for COVID-19, WHO has declared that Chloroquine is ineffective against illness, hospitalizations, and death due to COVID. They neither reduce deaths nor help anyone with moderate COVID.

Toxicity of Chloroquine:

There are many side effects of this drug. The toxic effects are mainly pertaining to heart-related health issues, which might be altered heart rhythm and heart failure. It is also known to cause irreversible blindness. This drug is strongly not recommended to patients who are suffering from some retinal diseases. It is also known to reduce blood glucose levels and decrease blood cells count. Physical weakness might also be seen in a few cases. Mental health effects such as increased suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression might arise. The FDA assessed the usage of Chloroquine in COVID patients on July 1, 2020, and it found reports of major heart rhythm difficulties as well as other safety concerns, such as blood and lymph system disorders, renal injuries, and liver problems and failure.

India and Chloroquine:

India, being a highly populated country, is getting obsessed with pharmacies. Drug Chloroquine is a generic drug that is available at a low cost. Since the media is overwhelmed with Chloroquine controversy, there is little or relatively no news about the drug combination that is actually significant in cutting the mortality rate in confirmed cases of Coronavirus patients.

Still, there is a wider ray of hope for India. The World Health Organisation made a positive criticism on the nation of India, stating, “India led the world in eradicating smallpox and polio, so India has a tremendous capacity,” said J Ryan during a daily press meet on COVID-19.

Conclusion:

Using medicines without a physician’s advice and when not indicated can pose serious health risks. If you doubt you have contracted COVID, do not panic. Isolate yourself. Contact your nearby medical center and seek appropriate treatment.Self-medication is a definite “No.” Prevent COVID and related complications by getting fully vaccinated and the booster dose when eligible.