Medications for Sickle Cell Disease
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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.
Prescription Medications
- Hydrea
- Droxia
- Amoxil
- Bactocill
- Bicillin L-A
- Pen Vee K
- Staphcillin
- V-Cillin K
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Ketorolac (Toradol)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve)
- Cotanal-65
- Demerol
- Dolophine
- MS Contin
- OxyContin
Over-the-Counter Medications
- Anacin
- Bayer
- Bufferin
- Doan’s
- Ecotrin
- St. Joseph’s
- Tylenol
- Panadol
- Tempra
Prescription Medications
Hydroxyurea
Common names include:
- Hydrea
- Droxia
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:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased chance of infection
Penicillin
Common brand names include:
- Amoxil
- Bactocill
- Bicillin L-A
- Pen Vee K
- Staphcillin
- V-Cillin K
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:
- Diarrhea
- Allergic rash (hives)
- Interference with oral contraceptive (birth control) pills
- False results on blood sugar tests in people with diabetes
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Common names include:
- Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Ketorolac (Toradol)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve)
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:
- Dizziness
- Stomach irritation
- Peptic ulcers
Narcotic Medications
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:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dependence
Over-the-Counter Medications
Aspirin
Common brand names include:
- Anacin
- Bayer
- Bufferin
- Doan’s
- Ecotrin
- St. Joseph’s
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:
- Stomach irritation
- Ringing in the ears
- Exacerbation of asthma
- Increased bleeding time
Acetaminophen
Common brand names include:
- Tylenol
- Panadol
- Tempra
Acetaminophen is a mild pain reliever. It is also effective for treating fevers. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking acetaminophen.
Special Considerations
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
- Take them as directed—not more, not less, not at a different time.
- Do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
- Don’t share them with anyone else.
- Know what effects and side effects to expect, and report them to your doctor.
- If you are taking more than one drug, even if it is over-the-counter, be sure to check with a physician or pharmacist about drug interactions.
- Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact your doctor if:
- Your symptoms become worse instead of better
- You develop a new skin rash
- You develop a new fever
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.