Ottawa â Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine may cause serious side effects, including serious heart rhythm problems. The risk of these side effects may increase at higher doses, or if the drugs are used in combination with other drugs, such as the antibiotic azithromycin. Patients should use these drugs only under the supervision of a physician. Health Canada is concerned that some people may be directly buying and using chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to prevent or treat COVID-19 without a prescription. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are approved prescription medications to treat malaria and certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. They are known to potentially cause liver or kidney problems, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and nervous system problems such as dizziness, fainting, or seizures. The effects on heart rhythm, which in the most serious cases, may be fatal. Children are especially sensitive to these drugs, and even small doses taken by children can be dangerous. Health Canada has not authorized any drugs to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 Footnote 1 and has warned Canadians about products making false and misleading claims . There are a number of medications being investigated to treat or prevent COVID-19, both in Canada and internationally. The best way to access experimental therapies is through clinical trials. Health Canada has authorized clinical trials with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19. Results from large, well-designed studies are essential to determine if the benefits of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine outweigh their risks in the treatment of COVID-19. To date, data from clinical trials are limited, and the results have not conclusively shown that any specific medications are effective against COVID-19. Patients and health care professionals are reminded to report any suspected side effects to Health Canada. Health Canada will continue to closely monitor the safety and effectiveness of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and other drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19. It will take appropriate and timely action if new health risks are identified, and inform Canadians as necessary. If you buy drugs online , you may be putting your health at serious risk. This is especially true if you order prescription drugs without being examined in person by a health care practitioner. Some Internet pharmacies are legitimate, but many offer products and services that are dangerous.
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