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Friday, May 24, 2013
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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Friday, May 24, 2013
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Sickle Cell Anemia |
Other Treatment Options01/09/2007 |
I am a 22 year old with sickle cell anemia. I am currently taking hydroxyurea for this condition. However, I am concerned about the long term side effects of this drug. What other types of treatments are available for me?
Unfortunately, there are no other treatment options at this time aside from chronic blood transfusions. The drug has been used for over 10 years in sickle cell patients and we have not seen an increased rate of cancer or other long term side effects. Obviously, we still don't know everything about hydroxyurea especially when taken for many years, but I believe the benefits far outweigh the risks for most people with sickle cell unless you have very mild disease. You could talk to your doctor about doing a 3-6 month holiday off hydroxyurea and see how you do, but I would not try the holiday it if you have had serious problems like acute chest syndrome or stroke in the past.
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Anthony D Villella, MD Formerly, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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