The Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information is warning residents not to use medications or household products to prevent or treat COVID-19 without consulting their healthcare provider.

Most patients who become infected with COVID-19 require only treatment of symptoms and self-isolation to care for themselves and prevent infecting others. The use of medicines such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine without a prescription and monitoring by the prescriber is risky. Some of the adverse effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine may include blindness and heart problems.

Call the Poison Center with any questions or concerns regarding medications, and text “POISON” to 797979 to have the Oklahoma Poison Center number easily saved to your cell phone. 

Pharmacists and registered nurses at the Poison Center are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800) 222-1222.