Treatment Options
This is a hydroxyurea tablet.
There is one treatment option for those with sickle cell anemia. It's called hydroxyurea. It's a drug that can be used to reduce blood transfusions and frequent hospital visits. It also helps to avoid painful joint and tissue swelling. The drug has frequently been prescribed to adults and teenagers, but can sometimes be prescribed to children 5 and up. Tests are being run to see if the drug is safe for 12 months and up. Hydroxyurea kills sickle cells, but can also kill white blood cells.
Side Effects of Hydroxyurea
There are many side effects of this drug, both severe and not as severe. Remember not to use this medication if you are pregnant, have liver or kidney disease, and/or dysfunctioning bone marrow. Below is a bulleted list of those symptoms.
- small, defined red spots on the skin
- nausea
- skin ulcers
- hair loss
- easy bruising or bleeding
- constipation
- dizziness
- and much, much more
