HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Sickle Cell Disease
Medications
Medicines that treat sickle cell disease include Reference hydroxyurea and various Reference pain medicines. Some of these medicines require a prescription. Others are available Reference over the counter Opens New Window. Pain medicine may work best when combined with Reference pain management skills, such as distraction; guided imagery; deep breathing; relaxation; and positive, encouraging self-talk.
Pain treatment for sickle cell disease pain varies depending on how bad the pain is and how long the pain lasts. Medicines that treat the pain include over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) and prescription Reference opioids Opens New Window (such as codeine). Opiate pain medicines are used under careful medical supervision.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 1, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Martin Steinberg, MD - Hematology |
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