Facts Don’t Have Feelings: Prophylaxis, treatment, and safety of hydroxychloroquine / chloroquine against COVID-19 .

Hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine perhaps are the most controversial drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early hopes surrounding hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have largely faded as better evidence has emerged. The first randomized trial testing post-exposure prevention showed no reduction in COVID-19 infections, while treatment trials have produced mixed or negative findings. When results are pooled, viral clearance appears unchanged, and higher-dose or prolonged regimens consistently lead to more adverse events, including cardiac risks. Several chloroquine studies were even halted early for safety concerns. Across available trials, benefits remain unproven while harms are well documented, making cautious use—and avoidance outside research settings—the most defensible position until stronger evidence arrives.