Trump reveals taking anti-malarial drug despite warning

MANDEL NGAN / AFP

US President Donald Trump has revealed he's been taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventive medicine against the coronavirus despite warnings that it can cause serious side effects.

"I'm taking hydroxychloroquine," he told reporters at the White House."I've been taking it for the last week and a half. A pill every day."

Even though the anti-malaria drug is unproven for fighting COVID-19, Trump has been promoting hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment.

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about its use, saying it was "aware of reports of serious heart rhythm problems" in COVID-19 patients who took the drug.

Trump, who is being tested daily for the virus, said he requested for the drug from the White House physician.

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