Voxelotor for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder that affects more than 100,000 individuals in the United States and results in a shortened life span. Characterized by the production of abnormal, sickle-shaped hemoglobin, the disease is marked by anemia, vaso-occlusion of blood vessels, and tissue damage. In November 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved voxelotor (Oxbryta) as a novel treatment for sickle cell disease. Voxelotor inhibits the production of sickle hemoglobin and improves anemia. This article presents an overview of voxelotor, including adverse effects, use in special populations, and implications for nursing practice.