THE U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday cautioned against the use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients even as President Donald Trump, who has touted it as a “game changer,” advocated for an additional review.

The drug, first approved in 1955, provided no benefit and potentially higher risk of death for patients at U.S. veterans hospitals, according to an analysis that has been submitted for an expert review Tuesday.

“You hear it both ways,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday after the FDA announcement. “I’m not a doctor. A study has to be done. If it helps, it’s great. If it doesn’t work, don’t do it,” he said.

The FDA said Friday it was aware of increased use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine through outpatient prescriptions and the malaria drugs could cause abnormal heart rhythms and dangerously rapid heart rate.

Hydroxychloroquine has been widely used in an attempt to alter the course of the COVID-19 illness based on anecdotal reports that it may provide some benefit.

The FDA’s announcement came a day after the European Union’s drug regulator warned of side effects of the drugs.

(SD-Agencies)