Because of this side effect, your physician will monitor your counts closely with

No, hydroxyurea is not a cure.
Historically, this has been a huge concern.



These round red blood cells are able to flow through blood vessels smoothly. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved

At this time it is not recommended to take hydroxyurea during pregnancy. Hydroxyurea is a class D medication indicating there appears to be a risk to developing fetus. Newborn babies with sickle cell disease do not have complications in the first few months of life because fetal hemoglobin prevents the red blood cell from sickling.

The other drug, Hydroxyurea (HU), is the prototype known to promote HbF production indirectly by perturbing the maturation of erythroid precursors, is administered orally with a once-daily dosing, has no immediate adverse effects, and is generally effective for patients with sickle cell disease … The patients initially treated with hydroxyurea had conditions that increased their risk of malignancy (cancer) but because they developed cancer while on hydroxurea therapy it was attributed to the medication. Amber Yates, MD, is a board-certified pediatric hematologist and a practicing physician at Baylor College of Medicine. In numerous studies in both children and adults with sickle cell anemia, hydroxyurea treatment has been associated with fewer painful crises, fewer acute chest syndrome (lung complication) events, reduction in the need for transfusion, and reduction in the need for hospitalization.

Peer-reviewed journal featuring in-depth articles to accelerate the transformation of health care delivery.Information, resources, and support needed to approach rotations - and life as a resident.Valuable tools for building a rewarding career in health care.Information and tools for librarians about site license offerings.The authorized source of trusted medical research and education for the Chinese-language medical community.The most trusted, influential source of new medical knowledge and clinical best practices in the world.Hydroxyurea — An Essential Medicine for Sickle Cell Disease in Africa


Hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of the enzyme ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase, increases HbF synthesis by erythroid cells (Figure 1). Hydroxyurea is a medicine that is used to treat certain types of cancer as well as to reduce the frequency of pain crises and the need for blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell disease.Until recently, it was the only treatment option approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of sickle cell disease… It was used for a wide variety of malignant conditions initially, but it has been used in sickle cell disease …

According to a study published in 2014 looking specifically at patients with In sickle cell disease, the answer is no.

Read our Medically reviewed by Anita C. Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH There are a small number of cases reporting normal pregnancies in women with sickle cell disease who continued hydroxyurea but additional information is needed.

Hydroxyurea also increases your Study Provides More Support for Hydroxyurea Use in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Monday, February 1, 2016 Adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) should be treated with the maximum tolerated dose of hydroxyurea to reduce the risk of organ damage over the course of the disease…

Hydroxyurea is a chronic medication for a chronic disease similar to medications people with Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.Castro O, Nouraie M, Oneal P. Hydroxycarbamide Treatment in Sickle Cell Disease: Estimates of Possible This is a hemoglobin found in newborn babies.

It only works if you take it as directed. More than 20 years ago, a major clinical trial of hydroxyurea in the management of sickle cell disease proved successful.

Hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease … Hair loss, mouth sores, and increased risk of infection associated with chemotherapy are rarely seen. Gulbis B, Haberman D, Dufour D, et al. In sickle cell anemia, hydroxyurea helps the body produce more fetal hemoglobin (Hb F).

Prepare to become a physician, build your knowledge, lead a health care organization, and advance your career with NEJM Group information and services.This article has no abstract; the first 100 words appear below.Higher levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) ameliorate the clinical course of sickle cell disease. In sickle cell anemia, currently, the best medication we have to prevent complications is called hydroxyurea, sometimes abbreviated HU.Hydroxyurea was first developed as a chemotherapy medication in the 1960s. Red Blood Cell Transfusions and Treatment for Sickle Cell DiseaseThe Truth Behind Common Misconceptions of Sickle Cell DiseaseWhat Is Red Cell Distribution Width on a Complete Blood Count?How the Proper Screenings in Sickle Cell Anemia Can Prevent a StrokeWhat You Should Know About Hemoglobin ElectrophoresisWhy Should I Care About Sickle Cell Trait If It Isn't a Disease?How Immunizations Play a Role in the Treatment of Sickle Cell DiseaseLearn About the Blood Disorders That the Newborn Screen Can DetectDisorders of the Blood That Cause Abnormal HemolysisWhat Is MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) on Your Blood Count?What You Need to Know About Anemia of Chronic Disease