CAPE CORAL, FLA — Hydroxychloroquine (pronounced "hi-droxy-cloro-quinn") is a medicine that might be a little tricky to say, but there's no question about this drug's important role in treating things like malaria and autoimmune diseases.
But after news that some people, including President Trump, have taken it to prevent or treat COVID-19, many are now wondering if they should too.
A Lee Health Pharmacist says some initial tests have shown the following outcome.
"We see some antiviral activity," said infectious disease clinical pharmacist, Ashley Cubillos.
While those results may sound promising, Cubillos says there's more testing that still needs to be done before we'll have a definite answer.
She adds that waiting for the results of those tests is especially important when you consider the side effects this drug can have.
"Hydroxychloroquine has some risks, as you may have hear, pertaining to causing abnormal heart rhythm, it can mess with your blood sugar," said Cubillos.
Cubillos says in the meantime the best thing you can do to keep yourself healthy as our state reopens, is to follow CDC guidelines.
"Wash your hands, clean your surfaces, stay six feet apart, doing gather in large groups," said Cubillos.
