L-glutamine
(Endari)
Get free couponsDroxia
(hydroxyurea)
Get free couponsSummary for Endari
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.
Indications for Endari
- Reducing complications of sickle cell disease in people 5 years and older
Pros and Cons for Endari
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
Common Side Effects for Endari
- Constipation (21%)
- Nausea (19%)
- Headache (18%)
- Stomach pain (17%)
- Cough (16%)
- Pain in arm or leg (13%)
- Back pain (12%)
- Chest pain (12%)
Summary for Droxia
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 for Droxia
- To lower the number of pain crises and need for blood transfusions in people with sickle cell anemia
Pros and Cons for Droxia
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 for Droxia
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 for Droxia
- Low blood cell counts
- Possible risk of cancer
- Harm to unborn babies
- Blood vessel damage
- Pancreas, liver, or nerve damage
- Lung problems
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