Hydroxychloroquine: Evidence suggests it is relatively safe

Is hydroxychloroquine a generally safe drug?

The politically charged atmosphere surrounding the drug in the context of COVID-19 can present a distorted picture. But the best evidence suggests that it has few adverse effects, although it does present some risks for patients with heart conditions.

Dr. Alieta Eck, who prescribed hydroxychloroquine for her patients who had COVID-19 symptoms, was confident the drug was safe.

"My feeling was that it was not going to do any harm, which is true. It’s a very safe medicine," said Eck, an internist in New Jersey.