- Other: Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for at least 30 days after treatment No history of chronic bacterial osteomyelitis No history of drug or alcohol abuse At least 6 months since prior use of illicit drug Have adequate IV access No crisis with life-threatening complications such as: Hepatic or splenic sequestration Acute chest syndrome Aplastic crisis No known infection or infection with encapsulated organism No evidence of septic shock Not concurrently hospitalized for other conditions Not concurrently on hypertransfusion program