Three of the studies observed by ICMR suggest that Hydroxychloroquine reduces the chances of getting infected with the virus and hence should be used as a preventive drug against the novel coronavirus. The conclusion is being drawn on the basis of 3 studies conducted by the ICMR (The Indian Council of Medical Research) and suggested that the drug should be discontinued immediately if rare side effects are noted. Those side effects include; extreme abdominal pain, cardiovascular diseases, cardiomyopathy, and visual disturbances. It is stated that the emergency frontline workers like the doctors, nurses can use the drug as a precautionary measure. The ICMR based the study on 334 healthcare workers and found a significant relationship between the number of doses taken and the frequency of occurrence of the COVID-19 infection in symptomatic healthcare workers. Although the drug seemed to have helped as a preventive measure, it is mandatory to use the drug in under strict medical supervision.
HCQ’s breakthrough; ICMR suggests frontline workers to take it as a preventive measure.
