FDA warns against public self-medicating with hydroxychloroquine

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued a warning that people should not take chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus symptoms outside of a hospital or formal clinical trial.

The FDA cited reports of "serious heart rhythm problems" in patients with the virus who were treated with a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin (Z-Pak). 

President Trump has spoken during his daily briefings about how the anti-malaria drugs may be game-changers during the pandemic, though results from clinical trials are largely not yet in to confirm that hope.

"We will continue to investigate risks associated with the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for COVID-19 and communicate publicly when we have more information," the FDA said in a statement.

Technically, the anti-malaria drugs are not FDA approved for use in treating coronavirus. However, the agency is allowing the products that have been donated to the Strategic National Stockpile to be distributed in a limited capacity.