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.
Hong Kong court finds tycoon Jimmy Lai guilty in landmark security trial
Ukraine peace talks stretch into second day at start of pivotal week for Europe
Flash floods kill at least 37 people in Morocco's Safi province
School bus accident in Colombia kills 17, injures 20
Australia plans tougher gun laws after father and son kill 15 at Bondi Beach
