- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
teens
Preventive Medicines for Sickle Cell Disease: Are They Right for You?
What Are Preventive Medicines?
Preventive medicines help people with sickle cell disease stay well and avoid problems before they start. These medicines include hydroxyurea, crizanlizumab, and L-glutamine.
5 Questions to Ask Your Care Team About Preventive Medicines
If your doctor recommends a preventive medicine, it's a chance to take control of your health. Here are questions to ask your care team as you decide what's best for you:
- How can the medicine help me? People with sickle cell disease who take preventive medicines often have less pain and more energy. These medicines can prevent problems from sickle cell disease by helping red blood cells stay round and squishy, move smoothly through the body, and last longer. Ask your doctor about the benefits you can expect.
- What’s it like to take the medicine? The medicine may come in a pill, liquid, or another form. Some medicines are taken every day. Others you get once a month. All should be taken long-term and on a regular schedule. Talk with your doctor about which medicine can best fit into your life.
- Can there be side effects? Even when a medicine works as it should, some people have unwanted effects, like an upset stomach or headache. Most side effects are mild. Ask your doctor what you can expect and what to do if you have a side effect.
- How much does the medicine cost? Sometimes there are no costs. It depends on your health insurance. Ask your care team to help you understand the costs of your medicine options.
- How do I decide? Think about which benefits are most important to you and which side effects or risks you most want to avoid. Talk with your care team and people who support you to weigh the pros and cons. Then you can make a decision you can feel good about.
Medically reviewed by: Aimee K. Hildenbrand., PhD
Date reviewed: June 2023