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Endari (L-glutamine) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help reduce sudden complications of sickle cell disease in adults and children ages 5 and older.
Endari is an amino acid. It may help red blood cells better handle oxidative stress (damage caused by unstable molecules). However, exactly how Endari works in sickle cell disease is not fully understood.
Doctors prescribe Endari when adults or children ages 5 and older have sickle cell disease and need help reducing sudden complications.
Endari comes as a powder that is taken by mouth.
Endari is taken by mouth two times a day. The recommended dose is 5 grams to 15 grams each time, depending on body weight.
The recommended doses are:
Each dose should be mixed with 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of a cold or room-temperature drink or 4 to 6 ounces of food just before taking it. The powder does not need to dissolve completely.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Endari, the most common side effects occurred in about 12 percent to 21 percent of people. These included:
The prescribing information does not list specific serious side effects or warnings for Endari.
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Emmaus Medical, the manufacturer of Endari, offers the Endari Commercial Copayment Assistance Program. Eligible people with commercial or private insurance may pay as little as $10 per month. People enrolled in federally funded programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid, are not eligible.
The Endari Support Program may help eligible people obtain Endari at no or minimal cost, including those who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover Endari.
To learn more, visit the copay assistance or Endari Support Program pages, or call 855-723-5646.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to L-glutamine or any ingredients in Endari.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take Endari if you have had a serious allergic reaction to L-glutamine or any of its ingredients.
If you miss a dose of Endari, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your healthcare provider before taking Endari. It is not known whether Endari can harm a developing baby or pass into breast milk.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Endari for sickle cell disease?
In a 48-week clinical study of people with sickle cell disease, those taking Endari had a median of 3 sickle cell crises, compared with 4 in those taking a placebo (an inactive treatment).
The median time until the first sickle cell crisis was 84 days with Endari, compared with 54 days with placebo.
People taking Endari also had fewer hospital stays for sickle cell pain, spent fewer total days in the hospital, and had fewer cases of acute chest syndrome, a serious lung complication of sickle cell disease. Acute chest syndrome occurred in 8.6 percent of people taking Endari, compared with 23.1 percent taking placebo.
How long does Endari take to work for sickle cell disease?
In a clinical study lasting 48 weeks, the median time until the first sickle cell crisis was 84 days for people taking Endari, compared with 54 days for those taking placebo.
These results show how long it took for half of the people in each group to have their first sickle cell crisis. They do not show exactly when Endari starts working.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Endari for sickle cell disease?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time or double your dose to make up for a missed one.
On MySickleCellTeam, people share their experiences with sickle cell disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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