Ask Sickle Cell Patients for a Vaccine History

Patients with sickle cell disease need comprehensive care...and you play an important role to avoid mishaps with the most common meds.

Hydroxyurea (Hydrea, etc) is often the "go-to" drug since it helps patients produce normal-shaped red blood cells...instead of "crescent moon" or "sickle" shaped red blood cells. Having normal-shaped cells reduces the chance of clogged blood vessels...decreases the number of acute pain episodes...and increases survival.

Watch for erratic or missed refills. Patients may "give up" because it can take up to 6 months of treatment to see a benefit.