Bedrest
Pain relief medications
Oral and intravenous fluids
Oxygen—to reduce pain and prevent complications
In addition, treatment may include:
Hydroxyurea (Hydrea)
This is the first drug to significantly prevent complications of sickle cell disease.
It increases the production of fetal hemoglobin. This decreases the number of deformed red blood cells. As a result, it reduces the frequency of sickle cell crisis.
Hydrea is not appropriate for everyone with sickle cell disease. It is only recommended for people over age 18 who have had at least three painful crises in the previous year.
Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions can treat and prevent some of the complications. Regular transfusion therapy can help prevent recurring strokes in children.
Bone Marrow Transplant
A bone marrow transplant from a matched donor may be effective. There are medical risks involved. Recipients must also take drugs that suppress the immune system for the rest of their lives.
Anon, what medications are you currently taking? Has your doctor formed a plan for you about this leg pain? Do you know if it is directly linked to sickle cell anemia?
We look forward to hearing back from you.
Best,
Susan
Comment Reply
Hello Anon
Thank you for writing.
Basic treatment of sickle cell crisis includes:
Bedrest
Pain relief medications
Oral and intravenous fluids
Oxygen—to reduce pain and prevent complications
In addition, treatment may include:
Hydroxyurea (Hydrea)
This is the first drug to significantly prevent complications of sickle cell disease.
It increases the production of fetal hemoglobin. This decreases the number of deformed red blood cells. As a result, it reduces the frequency of sickle cell crisis.
Hydrea is not appropriate for everyone with sickle cell disease. It is only recommended for people over age 18 who have had at least three painful crises in the previous year.
Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions can treat and prevent some of the complications. Regular transfusion therapy can help prevent recurring strokes in children.
Bone Marrow Transplant
A bone marrow transplant from a matched donor may be effective. There are medical risks involved. Recipients must also take drugs that suppress the immune system for the rest of their lives.
Anon, what medications are you currently taking? Has your doctor formed a plan for you about this leg pain? Do you know if it is directly linked to sickle cell anemia?
September 27, 2017 - 3:54amWe look forward to hearing back from you.
Best,
Susan
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