France on Wednesday banned the use of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19.
The French government is the first to take the step just days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) paused a large trial of the drug due to safety concerns.
Two French advisory bodies also warned that the drug - a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus - had shown to be potentially dangerous.
Recently, US President Donald Trump revealed taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventive measure against COVID-19.
No vaccine or treatment has yet been approved to treat COVID-19, that has left more than 350,000 people dead globally.
US strikes Iranian launchers on Larak Island
Nepal teams seek hundreds trapped in hydropower tunnels after deadly floods
Jordan intercepts eight missiles in airpace
At least eight die, 18 missing after ferry capsizes off North Cyprus
