On 23rd March 2020 Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) released its statement on the use of antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine as the preventive measure for people facing high risk from coronavirus infection. But how far does this drug, not known much to common people, ensure no risk of life.
C.Banerjee a resident of Kalkaji,who is at his late 60s, says that the news of using hydroxychloroquine gave him shivers. He further stated that in 1980s when cases of malaria were taking peak in India, the drug chloroquine (which is closely related to hydroxychloroquine) was prescribed for the people. "It is like swallowing death" added Banerjee.
The side effects of chloroquine includes nausea, headaches,skin irritation, swelling,cramp, mood swing,pale skin, bleeding from nose and hearing problems.Overdosing of this drug has also lead to many deaths.
Hydroxychloroquine too can lead to headaches, nausea, lowering of blood glucose, drowsiness, reduced appetite, depression, irreversible blindness, cramps and heart failure (if overdosed).
Banerjee recounts "It leaves a horrible bitter taste in the mouth. I remember taking it and feeling faint, nauseous and terribly unwell. I hope the drug is different now".
C.Banerjee a resident of Kalkaji,who is at his late 60s, says that the news of using hydroxychloroquine gave him shivers. He further stated that in 1980s when cases of malaria were taking peak in India, the drug chloroquine (which is closely related to hydroxychloroquine) was prescribed for the people. "It is like swallowing death" added Banerjee.
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| 1980 Malaria Affected region in India |
The side effects of chloroquine includes nausea, headaches,skin irritation, swelling,cramp, mood swing,pale skin, bleeding from nose and hearing problems.Overdosing of this drug has also lead to many deaths.
Hydroxychloroquine too can lead to headaches, nausea, lowering of blood glucose, drowsiness, reduced appetite, depression, irreversible blindness, cramps and heart failure (if overdosed).
Banerjee recounts "It leaves a horrible bitter taste in the mouth. I remember taking it and feeling faint, nauseous and terribly unwell. I hope the drug is different now".
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