Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson open up about how they experienced “extreme” side effects after attempting to treat their coronavirus with chloroquine.
Last month, the acting couple tested positive for COVID-19, and as a result, were given chloroquine as a form of treatment. However, the drug that is regularly used to cure malaria, gave the couple “extreme side effects.”
During an interview with CBS This Morning’s Gayle King, Wilson said that after taking the drug, she became “completely nauseous” and experienced vertigo and weakened muscles. “We have to be very considerate about this drug,” she said. “We don’t know if it’s safe in this case.”
There is still no cure or drug that has been approved as a treatment for coronavirus, but thousands have opted to take chloroquine, as well as a new version of the drug, hydroxychloroquine to relieve COVID-19 symptoms. However, a recent study was just ended after patients began experiencing life-threatening issues involving their heart. Despite conflicting knowledge surrounding the drug, many hospitals and doctors have started stockpiling it and calling it the most effective coronavirus treatment.
Wilson and Hanks were two of the first people to come forward about contracting the disease amongst celebrities. Wilson said her symptoms included being “very tired, extremely achy, uncomfortable, didn’t want to be touched.” She added that she also lost her senses of taste and smell, began getting chills, and had a 102-degree fever. For Hanks, he did not experience a loss of senses or a high fever. The couple, who are now coronavirus free, have donated their blood to a study, which will use their antibodies to hopefully develop a vaccine.
