How To Treat Aplastic Anemia

Bone Marrow Stimulants

In its healthy state, bone marrow will pick up on the chemical cues within the body that reveal there is a need for a higher level of blood cell production. If the bone marrow fails to respond to these signals, bone marrow stimulation may help. Bone marrow stimulants are designed to bring bone marrow back to life. These types of medications aim to boost the production of the blood cells the body lacks and are often used in conjunction with growth factors or commonly referred to as 'colony-stimulating factors.' Growth factors are medications injected beneath the skin or directly into the vein to enhance the stimulation process and boost the production levels.

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants are a vital step transplant patients must partake in. The immune system is the body's defense system that works to attack any invaders or foreign objects within the body. During a transplant, the immune system will likely recognize the cells of the donor as a potential threat towards the patient, and it may try to destroy the process. To ensure the foreign cells are accepted, the transplant patient may be given immunosuppressants to reduce the strength of the body's immune system.

Though these types of medications are a key part of the process, they come with a few dangerous side effects. While the patients may experience some nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or abnormal stools, fevers, headaches, or chills, they are also at an increased risk for infection, because the immune system is weakened. You may be prescribed immunosuppressants until the foreign cells have matured or for an indefinite period.