Treating the Treatment: How to Overcome SCD Side Effects

Sufferers of sickle cell disease (SCD) already have it tough enough. A chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment, SCD can cause everything from infections and anemia to sudden, debilitating pain crises.  Unfortunately, it looks like medications for the condition can sometimes add to the trouble.  But here’s the good news. If you or someone you love has SCD, there are many ways to overcome the medication side effects. Whether they cause rash, fever, or infection risk, you are not without help.  Here’s how to beat the side effects of these vital medicines. Hydroxyurea Used to boost fetal hemoglobin production, this medication can help prevent the formation of problematic sickle-shaped blood cells. This, in turn, can help relieve serious issues of pain, preventing the need for blood transfusions down the road.  But here’s the catch. Hydroxyurea can also cause problems such as rash, nausea, and higher risks of infection due to lower white blood cell counts.  So here’s how to overcome these potential side effects. The first is to take the medication with food and divide it into smaller, more frequent doses. This will help with nausea. For rashes caused by the medicine, be sure to use skincare products and avoid...