In a recent study conducted by French researchers, it has been estimated that nearly 17,000 individuals may have died after taking hydroxychloroquine during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, published in the Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy journal, highlights the concerning use of the anti-malaria drug without conclusive evidence of its clinical benefits.

The researchers focused on patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the initial wave and found that hydroxychloroquine was prescribed despite the absence of supporting evidence. The study also drew from a separate research published in the Nature journal in 2021, which reported an 11 percent increase in the mortality rate associated with the prescription of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19. Adverse effects such as heart rhythm disorders and the drug's utilization instead of other effective treatments were identified as potential contributing factors.

The analysis conducted by universities in Lyon, France, and Québec, Canada, utilized the 11 percent increase in mortality rate mentioned in the Nature study to assess hospitalization data in six countries - France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. The researchers calculated that approximately 16,990 individuals in these countries may have died as a result of hydroxychloroquine use during the specified period.

However, the researchers caution that the actual figure may be significantly higher, as their analysis only covers the six countries from March to July 2020, when hydroxychloroquine was prescribed more widely. Furthermore, they note that wider global usage of the drug may not be accurately represented in their findings.

Hydroxychloroquine gained prominence during the early stages of the pandemic, partly due to French virologist Didier Raoult, who was associated with the Méditerranée Infection Foundation hospital. However, controversy surrounding the drug ultimately led to Raoult's removal from his position.

The study's findings raise important questions about the potential risks and benefits of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19. More research is needed to fully understand the implications of its usage and to identify more effective treatments for the ongoing global health crisis.