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.
Bomb threats on flights cause disruption in Europe, no devices found
Greenland parliament ratifies security deal agreed with Trump
US carries out 'defensive' strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, officials say
Kenya discharges five Ebola patients, no new cases reported
Bomb threats reported on two passenger planes to Warsaw, both land
