How Medspartner Supports Sickle Cell Patients in High-Cost Healthcare Systems

Living with sickle cell disease is challenging, and dealing with high sickle cell treatment costs adds another burden on patients and families.

Whether you carry the sickle cell trait or have been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, access to meds like hydroxyurea (Hydrea®) and Deferasirox (generic for Jadenu®/Exjade®) can make a life-changing difference.

In this blog we inform sickle cell disease patients about obtaining reasonably priced medications that are both safe and high-quality.

What Is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease, which often manifests as sickle cell anemia, is a group of disorders that affect hemoglobin - making the red blood cells "sickle-shaped". The affected cells may block blood flow - causing pain, organ damage or other complications. It is a lifelong condition that can impact different patients to different extents. 

“Is sickle cell curable?”

Sickle cell disease can now be cured in some cases through advanced medical procedures. The most established cure is a bone marrow transplant from a healthy donor, usually a sibling, though this option is limited by donor availability. More recently, two gene therapies, Lyfgenia and Casgevy, have been approved. Lyfgenia uses a viral vector to insert a healthy hemoglobin gene into the patient’s own stem cells, while Casgevy uses CRISPR to boost fetal hemoglobin production. Both offer the possibility of a one-time cure but require chemotherapy and come with health risks and high costs. Therefore, management of symptoms with proven medicines is the most commonly adopted sickle cell treatment.

For most patients, daily sickle cell treatment with proven drugs like Hydroxyurea and Deferasirox helps manage symptoms, reduce complications, and improve quality of life.

Hydroxyurea and Deferasirox for Sickle Cell Treatment - Price and Uses

Managing your health with sickle cell disease often means depending on sickle cell drugs like hydroxyurea and deferasirox. 

Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®)

Hydroxyurea, a myelosuppressive agent, is the only useful drug proven to decrease the frequency of painful episodes.

Deferasirox (Jadenu®/Exjade®)

Deferasirox is often prescribed to manage iron overload from frequent blood transfusions in sickle cell patients.

Why Sickle Cell Treatment Costs Remain a Challenge

For many living with sickle cell disease, the cost of essential medicines like hydroxyurea and deferasirox is still a barrier, especially without insurance or government support.

On the plus-side, Hydroxyurea is relatively affordable in most countries. In the U.S., generic hydroxyurea is available at fairly reasonable prices, while in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, public health systems keep prices low or fully subsidized for eligible patients.

Deferasirox, on the other hand, tells a different story. In the U.S., a month’s supply of branded deferasirox can cost over $1,600. Even in countries with NHS like the UK and New Zealand, branded versions remain expensive, and generics are not always available.

While government subsidies and pharma assistance programs exist, many patients still face delays, denials, or high out-of-pocket costs.

For those falling through the cracks, personal importation of affordable generics from other countries is a lifeline. These alternatives, when legally and safely sourced, can significantly lower costs - serving as the only means of viable treatment for many.

Affordable Deferasirox Options from India

Two Indian generics for Jadenu® and Exjade® are available via personal importation portals like Medspartner.

• 180 mg generic for Jadenu® (30 tablets): $36 USD
• 250 mg generic for Exjade® (30 tablets): $48 USD
  
  

Comparison: Branded U.S. Price for the Same Pack (30 tablets, 180mg)

A branded Jadenu® pack is ~$3543/month, so the Indian generic costs just 1-2% of that U.S. retail price.

Why This Matters

• Massive savings: Huge cost differences make treatment accessible to patients in high‑ and low‑income settings alike.
• Quality assurance: These generics are sourced from FDA/EMA-approved Indian manufacturers, assuring quality.
• Legal under importation rules: Many countries allow limited personal imports with a valid prescription and documentation.

How to Import Deferasirox and Hydroxyurea Alternatives Legally and Safely?

Most countries allow patients to import prescription medications for personal use under specific conditions:

Prescription Needed:

You must have a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner for your personal use. This applies globally, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and others.

Quantity Limits - Up to 3-Month Supply:

Most countries allow up to a 90-day supply per shipment. Beyond that, it may demand special authorization.

Import for Personal Use Only (No Resale):

The medicine must be for your use, not resale. This is a strict rule across all countries. 

Buy from Licensed, Approved Sources Only:

You must import from a licensed international pharmacy with clear documentation. Suppliers should provide invoices and product details.

Pharmacies like Medspartner source from USFDA/EMA-approved manufacturers and help with compliant documentation.

How Does Medspartner Encourage Personal Importation of Affordable Equivalents to Sickle Cell Drugs Legally?

At Medspartner, we strongly feel that no patient should be left without treatment options because of financial constraints. That's why we offer affordable, high-quality Deferasirox and Hydroxyurea sourced from top manufacturers licensed by regulatory bodies like the USFDA and EMA.

We have 8+ years of experience sourcing medicines to patients through compliant personal importation and can support you every step of the way - from documentation support to timely shipping.

Affordable High-Quality Alternatives for Sickle Cell Treatment

Deferasirox and Hydroxyurea are a lifeline for many sickle cell patients, yet their cost makes them unavailable for some. Thankfully, affordable options are available and accessible in most countries through personal importation.

At Medspartner, we help patients under a financial burden source affordable medicines without any compromise on safety or efficacy.

Need help accessing an affordable Deferasirox or Hydroxyurea alternative?

Write to us today to explore safe and affordable ways to purchase affordable versions of these drugs easily for optimal sickle cell treatment.

About the Author - Mrinalini Sachan is a medical content writer with over a decade of experience writing for MedTech, pharma, and healthcare brands. She specializes in transforming complex clinical topics into clear, informative content for broad audiences—supporting brands committed to improving global healthcare and driving positive societal change.