Hydrea (Hydroxyurea)

General information

Hydrea belongs to the group of medications known as antineoplastics. It affects certain cells in the body, such as cancer cells or sickled red blood cells. This medication is used in people with sickle cell anemia to reduce the number of painful crises caused by the disease and to reduce the need for blood transfusions. It is also used to treat several types of cancer (melanoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, squamous cell carcinomas).

Directions

Take Hydrea exactly as prescribed by your doctor. A typical dose for adults is 80 mg per kilogram of body weight taken in one dose every third day. If radiation is also being used, hydoxyurea dosing should start at least 7 days before the start of radiation and continue throughout and after treatment. Take this medication by mouth with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Precautions

Before taking Hydrea you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood or bone marrow disorders, HIV infection, high uric acid level in the blood. Do not have immunizations or vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.

Contraindications

You should not take Hydrea if you are allergic to hydroxyurea or to any of the ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a very low platelet count, low white blood cell count, severe anemia.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, redness of skin, temporary hair loss, confusion, difficulty urinating, dizziness, headache, joint pain, sores in mouth or on lips, black or bloody stools, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, hallucinations, seizures, unusual bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: didanosine, stavudine, interferon, zidovudine, mercaptopurine, colchicine, azathioprine, flucytosine, echinacea, pimecrolimus, probenecid, tacrolimus. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

ake the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are swelling of hands and feet.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.