NSAIDs, Opioids, and More: What Medications Are Used for a Sickle Cell Crisis?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder that can cause intense pain flares called a sickle cell crisis. Learn about the treatments for a sickle cell crisis.
l-glutamine
Used for Sickle Cell Disease
Used for Sickle Cell Disease
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.
What is L-glutamine (Endari)?
What is L-glutamine (Endari) used for?
- Reducing complications of sickle cell disease in people 5 years and older
How L-glutamine (Endari) works
L-glutamine (Endari) is a type of amino acid. This medication is thought to work by balancing the natural antioxidants in your body. This is important for preventing damage to red blood cells in people with sickle cell disease.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Endari |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Amino acid |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of L-glutamine (Endari)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Constipation (21%)
- Nausea (19%)
- Headache (18%)
- Stomach pain (17%)
- Cough (16%)
- Pain in arm or leg (13%)
- Back pain (12%)
- Chest pain (12%)
The following L-glutamine (Endari) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Cough
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Get your GoodRx coupon
$3912.88
GoodRx discount
$699.56
Pros and cons of L-glutamine (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
Pharmacist tips for L-glutamine (Endari)
- Take l-glutamine (Endari) twice a day. Choose times during the day that's easy for you to remember and convenient for you to prepare the medication.
- You must mix the l-glutamine (Endari) powder with a beverage or soft food before you take the medication. Follow the instructions to prepare your dose before each time you take the medication.
- Store unopened packets of l-glutamine (Endari) at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight.
Tips for how to prepare l-glutamine (Endari):
- Fill a cup with 8 ounces (1 cup) of cold or room-temperature liquid (e.g., water, milk, apple juice). Alternatively, you can fill a small bowl with 4 to 6 ounces of cold or room-temperature soft food (e.g., applesauce, yogurt). Don't use hot food or liquid because this might damage the medication and make it not work as well for you.
- Tear open the number of l-glutamine (Endari) packets you need for your dose. Pour the powder into the cup of liquid or bowl of food. Mix together with a spoon. Then, drink or eat it right away. It's okay if the powder doesn't completely dissolve.
- Always prepare your dose right before you're going to take l-glutamine (Endari). You shouldn't prepare the medication ahead of time or save it for a later time. This might make the medication not work as well.
L-glutamine (Endari) dosage
The average cost for 180 packets of 5g of L-glutamine (Endari) is $699.56 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 82.12% off the average retail price of $3,912.88. 
Packet
Packet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5g | 180 packets | $699.56 | $3.89 |
Typical dosage for L-glutamine (Endari)
Dosing for l-glutamine (Endari) depends on your weight.
- Weigh less than 66 lbs: The typical dose is 5 grams (1 packet) twice per day. Mix the powder with a beverage or soft food before you take the medication by mouth.
- Weigh 66 lbs to 143 lbs: The typical dose is 10 grams (2 packets) twice per day. Mix the powder in the packets with a beverage or soft food before you take the medication by mouth.
- Weigh more than 143 lbs: The typical dose is 15 grams (3 packets) twice per day. Mix the powder from the packets with a beverage or soft food before you take the medication by mouth.
How much does L-glutamine (Endari) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
L-glutamine (Endari) (generic)
$699.56
What are alternatives to L-glutamine (Endari)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of L-glutamine (Endari). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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