The side effects of HCQ were very overstated. The first study [1] that was pushed by the media to discredit Trump saying HCQ might be dangerous to the heart was later retracted [2] because the authors refused to share its data. The best metaanalysis today shows HCQ works to treat COVID if used early and is safe at the right doses [3].
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/22/health/malaria-drug-trump...
[2] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6...