Alternative to Hydroxyurea when lower leg wounds occur

FDA has approved L-glutamine powder (oral administration) for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Hydroxyurea has been the gold standard for many years however it has been identified as a causal agent of spontaneous, painful lower leg ulcers in small numbers of patients. Glutamine is a significant micronutrient involved in gut, immune and skin health. Glutamine’s administration for those with sickle cell disease will be watched with interest, especially for those whose wounds require an alternative to Hydroxyurea.