Editor's note

While social media is letting many of us stay connected with friends and family while in quarantine, it’s also being used to spread misinformation unchecked. This was the case earlier this week, when the US president tweeted that taking two common drugs together (hydroxychloroquine and azithromcyin) could treat COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine – and chloroquine – are both anti-malarials that are also used to treat other conditions. But a couple in Arizona subsequently decided to self-medicate with chloroquine phosphate – with tragic consequences.

Although there are currently studies underway around the world looking at whether chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine could be used to treat a novel coronavirus infection, there is currently no proof that either of these can treat COVID-19. As an expert in pharmacy practice explains, taking either of these over-the-counter drugs without medical advice can lead to poisoning – and in some cases, death. Experts around the world are in agreement that people shouldn’t take chloroquine or hydroxychloquine for anything other than they are prescribed for. Medicines should only be taken with medical advice.

Though things in the world certainly aren’t normal right now, a supply chains expert explains why we can stop panic buying – more food (and loo roll) are on their way. And in case you need some escape from all things coronavirus, we looked at “Funky Drummer” by James Brown, which has a drum break so classic, it’s even been sampled by Ed Sheeran.

Heather Kroeker

Assistant Section Editor

Top stories

Chloroquine is an anti-malarial drug. baranq/ Shutterstock

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine: no proof these anti-malarial drugs prevent novel coronavirus in humans

Parastou Donyai, University of Reading

Taking these drugs to treat COVID-19 without medical advice has caused poisonings and death.

An employee in Nantong, China, checks the production of chloroquine phosphate, an old drug for the treatment of malaria. Feature China/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Could chloroquine treat coronavirus? 5 questions answered about a promising, problematic and unproven use for an antimalarial drug

Katherine Seley-Radtke, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

A medicinal chemist addresses questions about chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine: what it is, whether it is effective against COVID-19 and whether it can treat and/or prevent this disease.

Shutterstock

Supply chains expert: don’t panic if you see empty shelves – more stock is on its way

Manoj Dora, Brunel University London

By shopping responsibly and thinking of others, consumers will play a big part in ensuring everyone can buy what they need.

Paul VanDerWerf via Flickr

Funky Drummer: How a James Brown jam session gave us the ‘greatest drum break of them all’

Matt Brennan, University of Glasgow

Clyde Stubblefield's drumming has been sampled or imitated more than 1,000 times since it was recorded in 1970.

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