The FDA said it was aware of increased use of these medicines through outpatient prescriptions and the drugs could cause abnormal heart rhythms and dangerously rapid heart rate. 

The Alberta Hope COVID-19 study will recruit 1,600 at-risk Albertans to determine whether taking a five-day treatment of hydroxychloroquine lowers their hospitalization rates.

Donald Trump and members of his administration are promoting the drug — not yet officially approved for fighting COVID-19 — but scientists say more testing is needed.