Anti-malaria drug taken by Trump could cause diarrhea, research shows

Chinese researchers recently released results of the first clinical trial for hydroxychloroquine against novel coronavirus, the drug that US President Donald Trump claimed that he is taking, showing that when used for coronavirus treatment, it could cause an adverse digestive reaction, such as diarrhea.

Using hydroxychloroquine for mild and moderate coronavirus-infected patients is not encouraged, as patients can show symptoms of digestive diseases, such as diarrhea, sickness and vomiting, Chinese researchers from Shanghai Ruijin Hospital announced on Monday.

Despite being unproven in its effectiveness against coronavirus, Trump said on Monday that he has been taking the drug for over a week to prevent being infected with the coronavirus, which soon started trending on Twitter and Chinese social media Sina Weibo.

Netizens swarmed to social media, expressing their shock over what Trump said, with many people suspecting the president is lying.

“Why is he pushing a drug that can cause hallucinations and heart failure?” Netizens commented on Twitter with the trending hashtag #he’slying.

“It’s time to show Trump’s capability for selling products online!” some Chinese netizens commented on Weibo. “Is it worth promoting the drug at the risk of his life?” said another popular comment by Chinese netizens.

Previously, Chinese netizens mocked Trump for being “the biggest endorser for ‘livestreamed’ online disinfectant sales,” after he suggested injecting disinfectants to treat the coronavirus.

Cases of misuse of disinfectants were frequently reported by media after his remarks, and many netizens expressed concerns that if people followed his bizarre claim, it may cause more deaths.