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| Pronunciation |
|
 (hye
droks ee yoor EE
a) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Droxia™; Hydrea®;
Mylocel™ |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antineoplastic Agent, Antimetabolite |
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| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Hydroxyurea, though it is used to treat certain cancers, can cause cancer.
It can also cause serious side effects. Talk with healthcare provider about the
possible risks and benefits. |
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| 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. |
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|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to treat sickle cell anemia.
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. |
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|
| How does it work? |
|
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Hydroxyurea injures cancer cells causing their death.
It decreases blood cell counts.
It reduces painful crises and the number of blood
transfusions. |
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| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
Capsules can be opened and contents mixed with food or
liquid. |
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
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. |
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|
| 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. |
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|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in
thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require
you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects
you.
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing 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. |
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|
| 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. |
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
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. |
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| 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. |
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| General statements |
|
|
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).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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