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Sickle Cell Disease

diagram: example of normal red blood cells and sickle cell anemia
icon: medical

diagram: principles of inheritance. More information following image.

A person has sickle cell disease when they receive two sickle cell genes – one from each parent. It causes red blood cells to change into a crescent or sickle shape. This causes a shortage of healthy blood cells in the body, which can cause blood clots, pain and other symptoms. It also weakens the immune system, which makes it easier to get sick. 

Learn more.

Infographic description

AS + AS =
(Sickle cell trait carrier+ trait carrier)

  • AA (25%) Normal hemoglobin
  • AS (25%) Sickle cell trait
  • AS (25%) Sickle cell trait
  • SS (25%) Sickle cell disease

Source: Sickle Cell Society

icon: checkmark

  • Know the signs. Signs of sickle cell disease start in the first year of life and can be different from person to person. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually worsen over time. Examples include:
    • Swelling in the hands and feet
    • Extremely low energy
    • Anemia, or shortage of red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body
    • Pain in the chest, stomach or bones due to sickle cells blocking the blood vessels
    • Acute chest syndrome, or blockage of blood vessels in the lungs
    • Organ damage to the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys or eyes
  • Make a routine. You must take medicine as directed to manage your sickle cell disease symptoms. Use these tips to stay on top of your treatment:
    • Use a daily pill box
    • Set an alarm to help you remember to take your medicine
    • Talk to the doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about side-effects or have a hard time refilling your prescriptions
icon: treatments

Some patients can be cured of sickle cell disease with a bone marrow transplant. But that is not a good option for everyone. Symptoms of sickle cell disease can be managed with medication and long-term treatments, like:

  • Hydroxyurea – The medicine can prevent or slow down damage to your organs by making your red blood cells bigger and more flexible. People who use it have less pain and fewer acute chest syndrome episodes, as well as fewer blood transfusions and hospital stays. Most sickle cell disease patients take this medicine by mouth once a day.
    • For patients 2 years and older.
  • Endari (L-Glutamine) – This is an amino acid, which the body naturally makes to prevent and fight infections and pain. It can help people with sickle cell disease better handle pain by slowing damage to red blood cells. The treatment comes in powder form, which patients can mix into food or water to take. It can sometimes be used together with Hydroxyurea.
    • For patients 5 years and older.
  • Oxbryta (Voxelotor) – This medication decreases hemolysis, or the breaking down of red blood cells. It makes blood cells stronger so they can carry more oxygen through the body. The drug comes in pill form and can sometimes be used together with Hydroxyurea.
    • For patients 4 years and older.
  • Adakveo (Crizanlizumab) – This medicine works by slowing or stopping red blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls, which allows blood to flow more easily. This limits how often sickle cell disease causes you pain. The drug is administered through an IV once a month and can sometimes be used together with Hydroxyurea.
    • For patients 16 years and older.

Note that these medications may require prior authorization from PA Health and Wellness. These medications can help you live longer and with less pain. Taking them regularly can help prevent sickle cell complications and reduce trips to the hospital. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

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  • Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.: A nonprofit supporting research, education and funding for people with sickle cell disease. Find clinical trials, educational information and more.
  • Get Connected: A patient-powered registry that helps you connect with others affected by sickle cell disease. Register to find resources on sickle cell healthcare services, clinical research and behavioral health.
  • Sickle Cell Connect: A nonprofit that connects sickle cell patients with bone marrow donors and supports the transplant journey. Find helpful videos and resources, like personal stories from other sickle cell patients and questions to ask your child’s doctor. Also get one-on-one support to navigate your child’s treatment options.
  • Sickle Cell 101: Find patient-friendly information on sickle cell disease that is simple and easy to understand with Sicklepedia, an online sickle cell encyclopedia. Also access educational guides on nutrition, treatments and more for people living with sickle cell disease.