It has been discovered that HSP90 inhibitors can inhibit both the pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulatory potential of monocytes, in particular activated monocytes. One embodiment provides a method of inhibiting the pro-inflammatory phenotype of monocytes, preferably in human subjects, most preferably in human subjects having Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). A preferred HSP90 inhibitor is 5-(2,4-dihydroxy-5-isopropylphenyl)-N-ethyl-4-(4-(morpholinomethyl)phenyl)isoxazole-3-carboxamide (NVP-AUY922).