Abstract

RISKS OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SELF-MEDICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF COVID-19

José Cleberson Santos Soares* and Iago Dillion Lima Cavalcanti

ABSTRACT

To report the risks of hydroxychloroquine self-medication in patients with COVID-19. A literature review was carried out, using the descriptors "Hydroxychloroquine", "Self-medication" and "COVID-19" in the Pubmed, Sciencedirect, CAPLUS and MEDLINE databases. The articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria initially established, including 90 publications that addressed the risk of hydroxychloroquine self-medication in patients with COVID-19. COVID-19 is considered a public emergency, which has been affecting thousands of people worldwide, with an increased mortality rate. The hope of using hydroxychloroquine to reduce viral load and halt the development of COVID-19 puts patients at risk of using the drug without guidance, which can lead to the development of medical complications and endanger the patient's life.

Keywords: Hydroxychloroquine; Self-medication; COVID-19.