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Voxelotor for People With Sickle Cell Disease

Reviewed by: Corinna L. Schultz, MD
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What Is Voxelotor?

Voxelotor is a medicine that can help people who have sickle cell disease. (The brand name is Oxbryta®.) The medicine works by preventing red blood cells from becoming C-shaped and from breaking down too quickly.

People who take voxelotor (pronounced: vox-EH-lo-tor) have more healthy red blood cells and less anemia. Their red blood cells can deliver oxygen to their body more easily.

What Happens in Sickle Cell Disease?

Healthy red blood cells are soft, flexible, and round. Sickle cell disease makes red blood cells become sticky, hard, and C-shaped. The sickle cells get stuck and block the blood flowing inside small blood vessels. This can be painful and lead to other problems that need to be treated in a hospital.

Sickle cells also break down more quickly than healthy red blood cells. Not having enough red blood cells can lead to anemia. People with anemia feel tired and have less energy.

How Does Voxelotor Help People With Sickle Cell Disease?

Voxelotor helps red blood cells work better by:

  • preventing them from becoming C-shaped
  • slowing how quickly they break down
  • making it easier for them to carry oxygen

Who Can Take Voxelotor?

People who are at least 4 years old can take voxelotor.

What's It Like to Take Voxelotor?

People who take voxelotor take it one time every day, with or without food. It comes either as a tablet to swallow or as a tablet to dissolve in liquid before drinking.

Does Voxelotor Cause Side Effects?

Most people who take voxelotor do well. Rarely, someone might get a headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, tiredness, a rash, or a fever.

How Much Does Voxelotor Cost?

The amount you pay (if anything) for voxelotor will depend on your insurance. Ask your doctor for more information. Some programs may be able to help pay for out-of-pocket costs.

If your care team recommends voxelotor for you, ask questions. Share any concerns. Talk it over with a parent or an adult you trust. Soon you’ll be ready to make a choice you can feel good about.

Date reviewed: February 2023