Hydroxyurea makes your red blood cells bigger. It helps them stay rounder and more flexible — and makes them less likely to turn into a sickle shape. The medicine does this by increasing a special kind of hemoglobin called hemoglobin F. Hemoglobin F is also called fetal hemoglobin because newborn babies have it.

What is the purpose of hydroxyurea?

Hydroxyurea (Droxia, Siklos) is used to reduce the frequency of painful crises and reduce the need for blood transfusions in adults and children 2 years of age and older with sickle cell anemia (an inherited blood disorder in which the red blood cells are abnormally shaped [shaped like a sickle] and cannot bring enough ...

When do you give Hydroxyurea for sickle cell anemia?

Indications for hydroxyurea include the following: Frequent painful episodes (six or more per year) History of acute chest syndrome. History of other severe vaso-occlusive events.