Voxelotor
Voxelotor is a prescription medication used to treat sickle cell disease in adults and children 12 years and older. It works by inhibiting hemoglobin S polymerization, preventing red blood cells from taking on their characteristic sickled shape. By increasing hemoglobin's oxygen affinity, it reduces red blood cell destruction (hemolysis) and improves anemia.
Voxelotor is an oral hemoglobin S polymerization inhibitor used to treat sickle cell disease by preventing red blood cell sickling and reducing hemolytic anemia.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B06AX03
- RxNorm
- 2265678
- Generic
- Voxelotor
- Class
- atc-b06
- Brands
- Oxbryta
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Voxelotor is indicated for the treatment of sickle cell disease in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older to improve hemoglobin levels and reduce hemolysis.
Voxelotor binds to hemoglobin S with 1:1 stoichiometry and preferentially enters red blood cells. It increases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, which dose-dependently inhibits HbS polymerization—the fundamental mechanism that causes red blood cells to sickle.
Voxelotor is taken orally once daily, with or without food. Common side effects may include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Patients should be monitored for improvement in hemoglobin and reduction in hemolysis markers. Always use under the supervision of a healthcare provider experienced in treating sickle cell disease.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy