Sachets of chloroquine phosphate now sell for as much as N4,500 in Pharmaceutical stores in Lagos, as several clinical trials have confirmed the use of the drug as a curative effect on COVID-19.
A source who spoke to The Herald on Friday stated that it is now difficult to get the drug and some pharmaceutical stores sell for ridiculously high prices.
He said;
“The drug is now scarce. I searched for so long and when I finally got one, the pharmacy sold it for N4,500.”
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The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says the state government will conduct clinical trial on the effectiveness of Chloroquine in the prevention or management of COVID-19 infection.
Abayomi made this known on Friday in Lagos on COVID-19 update.
He said that the clinical trial would be initiated against the fast spreading news that Chloroquine could be effective in preventing and managing COVID19.
The commissioner, however, said that the use of Chloroquine drug, has not yet been ascertained as an effective treatment of Coronavirus disease.
He added that the state was still observing the global research space to clearly define the efficiency of the drug in the control of the diseases.
“We do not have any hard evidence that Chloroquine is effective in preventing or managing COVID-19.
“We are watching the global research space to clearly define its efficiency in COVID19,” Abayomi said.
According to him, Chloroquine has significant side effects and should not be used without medical supervision; it may cause more harm than good.
He added that the public should await his directives for the use of Chloroquine, thus advised against using it without medical supervision.