Hydroxyurea

U.S. Brand Names

Droxia®; Hydrea®; Mylocel™

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Hydroxyurea®; Gen-Hydroxyurea; Hydrea®

Mexican Brand Names

Hydrea

Pharmacologic Category

Antineoplastic Agent, Antimetabolite

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

Hydroxyurea may cause changes in cells and may increase the risk of cancer when used to treat blood disorders. It can also cause serious side effects. Talk with healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to hydroxyurea or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Anemia or bone marrow disease.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat blood disorders.

• This medicine is used to treat a variety of cancers.

• This medicine is used to treat psoriasis.

• This medicine is used to treat sickle cell anemia.

How does it work?

• Hydroxyurea injures cancer cells causing their death.

• It decreases blood cell counts.

• It reduces painful crises and the number of blood transfusions.

How is it best taken?

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Capsules can be opened and contents mixed with food or liquid.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have irritation of the mucous membranes (for example, lining of the mouth, throat, nostrils, stomach, intestines), talk with healthcare provider.

• If you ever have had any radiation therapy, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you have HIV and are taking didanosine and/or stavudine, talk with healthcare provider.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Not hungry.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Diarrhea.

• Mouth irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.

• Swelling.

• Skin changes (acne, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).

• Muscle weakness.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

• Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.

• Seizures.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Severe belly pain.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe constipation.

• Mouth sores.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Proper handling and disposal of this medicine is important. If powder from capsule is spilled, wipe up with damp, disposable towel immediately, and discard the towel in a closed container, such as a plastic bag. Wash hands thoroughly.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 13:07:23.0

Modified: 2008-02-08 15:06:14.0

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