Is treatment with hydroxyurea safe and effective?
Hydroxyurea has been found to be effective in the majority of sickle cell patients who receive this treatment. Hydroxyurea decreases the frequency of painful episodes, decreases the incidence of acute chest syndrome (a complication of sickle cell disease characterized by changes on chest x–ray, pain, decreased blood counts and sometimes respiratory failure), and reduces or prevents priapism (persistent erection of the penis, accompanied by pain and tenderness).
