What to know
This Steps to Better Health fact sheet provides easy-to-read information for people with sickle cell disease (SCD) about safe use of medicines.
Tips
People with sickle cell disease (SCD) are often prescribed medicines for common complications of SCD. If your provider prescribes you medicine, take the following steps:
Ask your provider about the benefits and risks of your medicine
Although medicines can have lifesaving benefits, they sometimes come with risks. It's important to learn about both before you start taking your medicine.
Take your medicine exactly as prescribed
It is important to take the right amount, at the right time, and in the right way. Not doing so can seriously affect your health. Talk to your provider if, for any reason, you are having trouble following your treatment plan.
Report any side effects of your medicine
If you are experiencing side effects from your medicine, report them to your provider so that they can treat the side effects and change your treatment plan, if needed.
This information is based on ASH SCD Guidelines: Cardiopulmonary and Kidney Disease.