hydroxychloroquine and Thalassemia

I had someone with thalassemia tell me today that she was warned to not agree to hydroxychloroquine treatment for Coronavirus because it would cause major issues if you have thalassemia.  She has Thalassemia minor.  I don’t think that makes sense.but I didn’t want to dismiss it.  Anyone else hear this?

Thanks

Hydroxychloroquine can be a danger to someone suffering from hemolysis, the breakdown of red blood cells. The drug may add to the hemolysis that is already taking place, so use would possibly cause the hemolysis to worsen, so it would depend on the patient's status.