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Compare Endari vs. Droxia

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • L-glutamine (Endari)
    Droxia (hydroxyurea)
  • L-glutamine (Endari)
    Droxia (hydroxyurea)

  • Summary of Endari vs. Droxia

    Summary for Amino acid
    Prescription only

    L-glutamine (Endari) is used to reduce complications of sickle cell disease, such as painful sickle cell crises. It's an amino acid that comes as a powder in individual packets. The powder needs to be mixed with food or liquid before it's taken by mouth. The typical dosage for people 5 years and older is 5 to 15 grams of l-glutamine (Endari) twice a day. Potential side effects include constipation, nausea, and headache.

    Summary for Antimetabolite
    Prescription only

    Hydroxyurea (also known by its brand names Droxia and Siklos) is an antimetabolite. It's used to lower the number of painful crises and need for blood transfusions in adults and children with sickle cell anemia. Droxia (hydroxyurea) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of the more common side effects of this medication includes lower blood cell counts and higher risk for infections.

  • Indications of Endari vs. Droxia

    Indications for
    •Reducing complications of sickle cell disease in people 5 years and older
    Indications for
    •To lower the number of pain crises and need for blood transfusions in people with sickle cell anemia

  • Pros and Cons of Endari vs. Droxia

    Pros and Const for Amino acid
    Pros
    •Helps lessen the number of hospitalizations and pain crises in people with SCD
    •Approved for people 5 years and older
    •Easy to swallow once mixed with liquid or soft food
    •Can mix powder with a variety of cold or room-temperature foods and liquids
    Cons
    •Taken twice a day
    •Must be ready to take the medication before you prepare each dose
    •Doesn't come in child-resistant packaging
    •Not known if it's safe to take during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Antimetabolite
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a tablet or capsule with once-daily dosing
    •Siklos can be used in children 2 years of age and older
    •Siklos tablets can be dissolved in water for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can't touch with your bare hands because it can damage your skin
    •Requires regular blood tests (typically every 2 weeks) for monitoring during treatment
    •Risk of serious infections
    •Not safe during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Endari vs. Droxia

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (21%)
    •Nausea (19%)
    •Headache (18%)
    •Stomach pain (17%)
    •Cough (16%)
    •Pain in arm or leg (13%)
    •Back pain (12%)
    •Chest pain (12%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Children:

    •Infections (40%)
    •Lower blood cell counts (13%)
    •Stomach problems (13%)
    •Fever (8%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Low vitamin D levels (6%)

    Adults:

    •Infections (43%)
    •Headache (20%)
    •Dry skin (12%)
    •Lower blood cell counts (10%)
    •Joint pain (9%)
    •Weakness (9%)
    •Dizziness (9%)
    •Fever (8%)
    •Skin wounds (7%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Cough (6%)

  • Warnings of Endari vs. Droxia

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Blood vessel damage
    •Pancreas, liver, or nerve damage
    •Lung problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Endari vs. Droxia

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