The use of hydroxychloroquine has long been associated with cardiotoxicity, ophthalmic and gastrointestinal complications. This new study suggests that there may be additional side effects that may affect the patient population. For example, mutations caused by DNA damage are the cause of many chronic diseases, including cancer. Besaratinia said, "this drug can induce gene mutations, which means that we must carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of its use, especially in the context of clinical trials."