A New York City councilman said he feared for his life until hydroxychloroquine helped him recover from his coronavirus infection.
Councilman Paul Vallone, a Democrat, told the New York Post that he took hydroxychloroquine, a drug known for treating malaria, while he fell ill with COVID-19 in March. He claimed that the drug saved his life and thanked President Trump for raising awareness about the medication.
“At that time, there was only fear and panic, he offered hope in a possible treatment when there was none. With my sarcoidosis and then my COVID symptoms, It basically saved me. For that, my family will always be thankful,” Vallone said.
Vallone said he struggled with severe symptoms after contracting the virus.
“I couldn’t breathe, very weak, couldn’t get out of bed. My doctor prescribed it. My pharmacy had it. Took it that day and within two to three days, I was able to breathe,” Vallone said. “Within a week, I was back on my feet.”
“We were in panic mode when I went down because I didn’t have a lot of immune response,” he later added. “I needed something to stay alive.”
Hydroxychloroquine, which has been tested as a safe drug for diseases such as malaria and lupus, has not been proven to treat the coronavirus. However, there has been anecdotal evidence of its success. Trump’s promotion of the drug has led to criticism from those who note that it is not proven to treat COVID-19.
“I guess all those doctors who are prescribing it are right. This drug is already on the market, and the patent is up, so it’s cheap. A new drug won’t be. So, big money does not want this drug to be used. Always follow the money,” Vallone said. “[It] saved my life.”
