What is Hydroxyurea?

Hydroxyurea is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) agent used to treat melanoma, resistant chronic myelocytic leukaemia, and recurrent, metastatic, or inoperative ovarian and primary squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinomas of the head and neck.

Hydroxyurea Uses

This medicine is used by people with sickle cell anaemia to reduce the number of painful crises caused by the disease and to reduce the need for blood transfusions.

Some brands are also used to treat certain types of cancer (such as chronic myelogenous leukemia and squamous cell carcinomas).

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Hydroxyurea Side Effects

Stomach pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Mouth sores
Constipation
Skin problems
Darkened or blackened skin
Reddened skin
Mental or mood changes
Seizures
Shortness of breath
Change in the amount of urine.
Chest pain
Itching
Swelling

How to Use Hydroxyurea:

Initial Steps:

Read the medication guide before starting Hydroxyurea.
Review the guide with every refill.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Administration:

Take orally, with or without meals, as directed by your doctor.
Usually taken once a day.

Dosage:

Based on weight, medical condition, lab results, and treatment response.
Treatment may be paused if the blood count is too low.

Pregnancy Considerations:

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid the medication.
Do not inhale dust from the tablets or capsules.

Missed Dose

If you forgot to take any dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is already near the next dose, skip the missed or forgotten dose.
Start taking your following dosages on a regular basis. Don't double your dose to catch up.

Storage

Store away from light and moisture at room temperature. Don't store it in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from children and pets.
Do not flush the medication down the toilet or pour it into the drain unless instructed to do so.
Discard this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or your local waste disposal company.

Precautions for Using Hydroxyurea

Allergies and Ingredients:

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Hydroxyurea or other substances.
Some inactive ingredients may cause allergic reactions.

Medical History:

Before using Hydroxyurea, tell your doctor if you have:

Kidney disease
Liver disease
Blood or bone marrow disorders (e.g., bone marrow suppression, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia)
HIV infection
High blood uric acid levels
History of radiation therapy

Infection Risk:

Hydroxyurea may increase the risk of infections.
Avoid contact with people who have infections like chickenpox, measles, or flu.
Consult your doctor if exposed to infections.

Reproductive Health:

Avoid pregnancy while taking Hydroxyurea. Use effective birth control:

Men: During treatment and for 1 year after stopping.
Women: During treatment and for 6 months after stopping.

Discuss family planning with your doctor if relevant.

Note:

Do not share this medicine with others.
The laboratory and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count and kidney/liver function) must be done before you start taking this medicine and while you are taking it.
Your doctor may also direct you to take folic acid while you are taking hydroxyurea because of the risk of anaemia. Ask your doctor for more details.

Warnings for some health conditions:

Cetrorelix binds to the hormone receptor-releasing gonadotropin and functions as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion.
It competes with natural GnRH for binding to pituitary cell membrane receptors and thus regulates the release of LH and FSH in a dose-dependent manner.

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Hydroxyurea vs Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxyurea	Hydroxychloroquine
Formula: CH4N2O2	Formula: C18H26ClN3O
Also known as Hydroxycarbamide	sold under the brand name Plaquenil
This medicine is used by people with sickle cell anemia to reduce the number of painful crises caused by the disease and to reduce the need for blood transfusions.	Hydroxychloroquine is used for treating malaria caused by mosquito bites.
Molecular Weight: 76.055 g/mol	Molecular Weight: 335.9 g/mol

Citations

Hydroxyurea

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the drug Hydroxyurea used for?

This medicine is used by people with sickle cell anemia to reduce the number of painful crises caused by the disease and to reduce the need for blood transfusions. Some brands are also used for the treatment of certain types of cancer (such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, squamous cell carcinomas).

2. How does Hydroxyurea work?

Hydroxyurea works by increasing your hemoglobin level. The size of your red blood cells (as measured by "mean cell volume" or MCV). Hydroxyurea works by making your red blood cells larger. Neutrophils, a white blood cell type.

3. Is Hydroxyurea a Chemotherapy drug?

Hydroxyurea (hydroxy carbamate, Hydrea) is a chemo drug that has helped some CMML patients live longer. This drug comes in the form of a capsule that is taken by mouth every day. It can bring down the number of white blood cells and monocytes to normal. It may also help to shrink the enlarged spleen.

4. What is the most common side effect of Hydroxyurea?

The common side effects of hydroxyurea are stomach pain, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea.

5. Does Hydroxyurea lower your immune system?

Hydroxyurea may weaken your immune system. Call your doctor at once if you have a fever, chills, body aches, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, bruising, or unusual bleeding.

6. How quickly does Hydroxyurea work?

It takes several months for children with sickle cell disease to reach a full dose of hydroxyurea. At full doses, the number of blood cells in the body should be slightly reduced. One type of blood cell that may be reduced is a white blood cell called a neutrophil.

7. What are the long-term effects of Hydroxyurea?

Long-term treatment with hydroxyurea is associated with painful skin ulcers, aphthous ulcers, erythema-free toxicity, and skin infiltration.

8. How long does Hydroxyurea stay in the body?

Recovery: within 7-10 days of discontinuation of therapy (reversal of white blood count occurs rapidly, but the platelet count may take 7-10 days to recover). These side effects are less common (approximately 10-29%) side effects in patients receiving Hydroxyurea: hair loss (mild thinning).

9. Can Hydroxyurea cause liver damage?

The severity of liver injury associated with hydroxyurea therapy is usually mild and self-limiting. It has not been linked to cases of chronic hepatitis or extinct bile duct syndrome.

10. Does Hydroxyurea thin the blood?

Hydroxyurea may temporarily reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood, which increases the chance of infection. It may also reduce the number of platelets needed for proper blood clotting.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.