L-glutamine

What is L-glutamine?

L-glutamine is an amino acid made by your body that helps the red blood cells stay flexible. It may help lessen complications of sickle cell disease, including: pain that affects your quality of life, acute chest syndrome, and long hospital stays.

 

Most people do not have side effects from L-glutamine. However, each person is different.

Common side effects:

 

◦ Nausea

◦ Feeling tired

◦ Headache

◦ Chest pain

◦ Pain in muscles & bones

◦ Constipation

◦ Stomach pain

◦ Cough

Long term effects of taking L-glutamine are not known at this time.

 
 
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Using this medication:

  • L-glutamine bought without a prescription may not work. It should be prescribed by your provider.

  • This medicine works best if you take it EVERY day. Once you start taking it, it may take up to 3 months for you to notice an effect.

  • If you stop taking it because of side effects, talk with your provider about other ways to prevent sickle cell complications.

  • You can take L-glutamine and hydroxyurea at the same time.

 
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L-glutamine checklist

For you and your health care provider

 

L-glutamine : Talk about taking L-glutamine if:
🄯 You have sickle cell anemia (type SS or sickle beta thalassemia zero)

🄯 You have pain or other sickle cell complications that affect your quality of life or your ability to do your daily activities.

🄯 If you are taking L-glutamine but still have acute sickle cell pain, talk about seeing a hematologist if you don’t already see one.

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SECTION OVERVIEW

  • With daily use, L-glutamine may help lessen the complications of sickle cell disease.

  • L-glutamine bought without a prescription may not work. L-glutamine should be prescribed by your health care provider.