Drepaf : Un générique de l’hydroxyurée change la prise en charge de la drépanocytose au Sénégal
A generic version of hydroxyurea, Drepaf, is now available in Senegal, representing a major advancement in the management of sickle cell disease. Manufactured by Teranga Pharma, this treatment is, for the first time, accessible locally, at a lower cost, and can be used in children as young as nine months old. This innovation comes at a time when approximately 10% of the population carries the sickle cell gene, a reality that makes early and continuous care essential. Specialists, including Professor Zeynabou Fall, emphasize that the disease remains one of the leading causes of pediatric mortality in West Africa and requires a more structured healthcare response.
Teranga Pharma has already distributed 16,000 boxes and plans to increase production starting in January 2026 to ensure a steady supply. The company also intends to extend distribution to neighboring countries, which would improve the availability of the medication in a particularly hard-hit region. This ramp-up could help reduce frequent stockouts and promote more equitable access to care.
The introduction of Drepaf also reignites the debate on the need for a national strategy dedicated to sickle cell disease. Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of newborn screening, staff training, and access to essential medications to better address a burden that accounts for nearly 66% of global cases on the continent. The arrival of this generic drug thus marks a new stage for public health policy and for families facing a long-neglected disease.
Commentaires (2)
C’est juste de la merde ce médicament, pour aider les Drepanocytaire faites des recherches et études scientifiques sérieuses sur la greffe de moelle osseuse
L’hydroxyurée (Hydrea®️) est souvent utilisée dans le traitement de la *drépanocytose*, de certaines *leucémies* ou *syndromes myéloprolifératifs*. Elle agit en modifiant la production des cellules sanguines. Elle est efficace, mais peut entraîner des *effets secondaires*, parfois sérieux.
Effets secondaires fréquents* :
- *Fatigue*
- *Chute des cheveux* partielle (modérée)
- *Troubles digestifs* : nausées, diarrhée, perte d'appétit
- *Ulcères buccaux* (aphtes)
- *Peau sèche*, noircissement des ongles ou pigmentation des mains/pieds
Effets hématologiques (sur la moelle)* :
- *Diminution des globules blancs (neutropénie)* → risque d’infection
- *Baisse des plaquettes (thrombopénie)* → risque de saignement
- *Anémie*
*Effets plus rares / à long terme* :
- *Ulcerations cutanées*, surtout des jambes
- *Toxicité hépatique ou rénale* (rare)
- *Infertilité masculine* possible à long terme
- *Risque théorique cancérigène* si usage prolongé à forte dose (rare et discuté)
"C'est un médicament fabriqué pour tuer ou rendre stérile les Africains" vont venir dire certains comme lors du Covid-19.
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