How Can Hemolytic Anemia Be Prevented?

Hemolytic anemia can't be prevented in people who are born with the genes for inherited types of hemolytic anemia. One exception is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. A person born with G6PD deficiency can prevent the development of anemia by avoiding substances, such as fava beans and certain medicines, which can trigger hemolysis.

Transfusion reactions, which can cause hemolytic anemia, can be prevented by ensuring a match of the blood types between the donor and recipient. When a pregnant woman has Rh-negative type blood and her fetus has Rh-positive type blood, a medicine called RhoGam given at the time of delivery can block the mother's body from developing antibodies against the baby's blood type.