How Do Hemoglobin Oxygen-Affinity Modulators Work?

Hemoglobin oxygen-affinity modulators are drugs that increase the oxygen binding capacity of hemoglobin. They are used to treat sickle cell disease in adults and children aged above 12 years. Voxelotor is a novel therapy approved for the treatment of sickle cell disease. This drug works by blocking sickle hemoglobin polymerization and alters the shape of deoxygenated hemoglobin in sickle cell disease. This change in structure increases the oxygen binding capacity of hemoglobin and also stops sickling of the red blood cells, allowing them to pass through blood vessels with ease.

Hemoglobin oxygen-affinity modulators are available as oral tablets and are used to treat:

• Sickle cell disease

Side effects of hemoglobin oxygen-affinity modulators include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Abdominal pain
• Trouble breathing
• Dizziness
• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reactions)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of hemoglobin oxygen-affinity modulators include:

• Voxelotor
• Oxbryta