How do medications treat sickle-hemoglobin C (Hb S-C) disease?

Depending on a person's symptoms, medications may be prescribed for sufferers of sickle-hemoglobin C (Hb S-C) disease. Generally, medications are prescribed to treat pain. Medications can treat chest or other pain. Penicillin also can treat infections that result from Hb S-C disease, especially in children. Finally, hydroxyurea, a medication traditionally used to treat cancer, can be used to control painful attacks in Hb S-C disease sufferers. The drug can produce fetal hemoglobin and can make blood transfusion unnecessary.