Hydroxyurea Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease

Hydroxyurea is a medicine that can help children and adults with sickle cell disease. Research studies show that hydroxyurea lowers the following: • The numbers of acute chest syndrome (pneumonia) events • The number of pain crises • The need for blood transfusions • The number of trips to the hospital Hydroxyurea also might prevent damage to the spleen, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Hydroxyurea is given by mouth one (1) time each day. It comes in liquid or capsule form. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for the treatment of adults with severe sickle cell disease. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other medical centers have carried out research studies that demonstrated the safety of hydroxyurea therapy for young children and infants with sickle cell disease.   Abstract source