But that couldn't stop the sudden public rush for a drug recommended by the President and famous talkshow host. This brings about several significant risks. First, the sense of false hope. There was already a case of a couple not infected with COVID-19 trying to immunise themselves with chloroquine phosphate (using anti-parasitic drug for fish with this substance). One of them died, another was found in critical condition.
Self-medication is highly irresponsible with a drug like this. Even if you contact your doctor about it, he would most likely have no knowledge at hand to share without properly reading up on it. Meanwhile, side effects of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can be devastating, from heavy nausea and headaches to psychosis, loss of vision and sudden cardiac death.
There's one more reason not to go to your nearest pharmacy asking for the drug: there are people actually needing it. For patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis it's vital in daily life. With shortages in pharmacies, these people are left without the help they need to go on at a time when they're already vulnerable.
