Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Sickle Cell Disease | Resource Guide
The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your health care provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications only as recommended by your health care provider, and according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your health care provider.
There are no medications to cure sickle cell disease. Instead, medications are given to treat symptoms and complications, improve the body’s ability to fight infection, and boost the body’s production of red blood cells.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Common names include:
Hydroxyurea is a chemotherapy agent often used to treat cancers, such as leukemia. It appears to help the body produce slightly more normal red blood cells that are slightly more flexible and don’t block blood vessels as frequently. Most patients who take hydroxyurea need fewer blood transfusions than patients who don’t take this medicine.
Hydroxyurea affects your immune system, so while you are taking it, don’t get any immunizations without reminding your healthcare provider that you are taking this drug.
Possible side effects include:
Common brand names include:
Penicillin is given routinely to children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years who have sickle cell disease. Penicillin can prevent these children from developing infections, especially pneumococcal pneumonia. It is sometimes given to adults, too.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
NSAIDs are given to treat pain. Although some types are available over-the-counter, your healthcare provider may choose to give you a prescription so that you can take a higher dose.
Take your doses with food because many of these medications irritate the stomach. Don’t drink alcohol while you are taking NSAIDs.
Possible side effects include:
Common brand names include:
Narcotic medications are given to treat pain. They can slow your breathing, and you should not drink alcohol or take other pain medications or sedatives at the same time.
Possible side effects include:
Common brand names include:
Aspirin helps control inflammation and decrease pain. Aspirin can be irritating to the stomach, so take it with food.
Because aspirin has blood-thinning properties, always remind your healthcare providers that you are on this medicine before dental or medical procedures, or surgeries.
NOTE: Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child aspirin.
Possible side effects include:
Common brand names include:
Acetaminophen is a mild pain reliever. It is also effective for treating fevers. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking acetaminophen.
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
Contact your doctor if:
References:
Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 22nd ed. W.B. Saunders Company; 2003.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America website. Available at: http://www.sicklecelldisease.org/ .
Weiner CM. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine . 17th ed. New York, NY: McGraw – Hill; 2008.
Last reviewed June 2008 by Mark A. Best, MD, MPH, MBA
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.