WARNING

The amount of blood cells in your bone marrow may significantly decrease as a result of hydroxyurea. You run a higher chance of getting a major illness or bleeding as a result of this. Make a quick call to your doctor if you encounter any of the following signs: Symptoms of infection include fever, chills, extreme weariness or weakness, body pains, sore throats, shortness of breath, persistent coughs, congestion, or other indicators of infection; unusual bleeding or bruising; bloody or black, tarry stools; or vomiting blood or brown material that resembles coffee grounds.

Maintain all scheduled times with your physician and the lab. In order to monitor your body’s reaction to hydroxyurea and determine whether your blood count has decreased, your doctor will routinely order specific tests. In the event that your blood count has fallen too low, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or advise you to temporarily stop taking hydroxyurea.

Your chance of getting other cancers, such as skin cancer, may increase if you use hydroxyurea. Plan to use protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen in addition to avoiding needless or prolonged sun exposure. Discuss the dangers of hydroxyurea use with your doctor.

When you start hydroxyurea treatment and each time you refill your prescription, your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet (Medication Guide). If you have any questions, thoroughly read the material, then consult your physician or pharmacist.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Hydroxyurea is a medication that is primarily prescribed for the treatment of certain blood disorders. It is commonly used in the following conditions:

• Sickle cell disease: Hydroxyurea is often prescribed to individuals with sickle cell disease to help reduce the frequency of painful crises, decrease the need for blood transfusions, and improve overall quality of life.
• Polycythemia vera: This is a condition characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Hydroxyurea is used to lower the number of red blood cells and control the symptoms associated with this condition, such as blood clots.
• Essential thrombocythemia: In this disorder, there is an excessive production of platelets in the bone marrow, leading to an increased risk of blood clots. Hydroxyurea is prescribed to lower platelet counts and reduce the likelihood of clot formation.
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): Hydroxyurea may be used as part of the treatment regimen for CML, a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells. It helps control the growth of cancer cells and improve blood counts.

How should this medicine be used?

The exact dosage and duration of treatment with Hydroxyurea depend on the specific condition being treated and the individual patient. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Typically, the medication is taken orally in the form of capsules or tablets, usually once daily. The dose may be adjusted based on factors such as blood test results and individual response to the treatment. Regular monitoring is important to ensure the medication is effective and well-tolerated.

Other uses for this medicine

In addition to the conditions mentioned earlier, Hydroxyurea may also be used off-label for other conditions such as myelofibrosis (a bone marrow disorder) and certain types of solid tumors. However, the use of Hydroxyurea for these conditions is less common and should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual circumstances.

What special precautions should I follow?

When taking Hydroxyurea, it is important to follow certain precautions:

• Pregnancy: Hydroxyurea can cause harm to an unborn baby, so it is crucial to avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. It is important to use effective contraception during treatment and discuss family planning with your doctor.
• Blood counts monitoring: Hydroxyurea affects the production of blood cells, so regular blood tests are necessary to monitor blood counts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Your doctor will determine the frequency of blood tests based on your condition.
• Kidney and liver function: Hydroxyurea is primarily eliminated from the body through the kidneys and the liver. If you have impaired kidney or liver function, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of Hydroxyurea to prevent any potential complications.
• Drug interactions: Inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking, as they may interact with Hydroxyurea and affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects.
• Safety precautions: Hydroxyurea can lower your body’s ability to fight infections and increase the risk of bleeding. Take necessary precautions to avoid infections and injuries. Report any signs of infection or unusual bleeding to your doctor.
• Side effects: Hydroxyurea may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, skin rash, hair loss, or ulcers. If you experience any bothersome or severe side effects, notify your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with taking Hydroxyurea. However, it is generally recommended to maintain a healthy and balanced diet while undergoing treatment. It’s important to nourish your body with a variety of nutritious foods to support overall well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you happen to miss a dose of Hydroxyurea, here’s what you should do:

• Take it as soon as you remember: If you realize you missed a dose close to the scheduled time of your next dose, take the missed dose immediately. Then, resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
• Skip the missed dose: If it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose, it may be better to simply skip the missed dose. Take the next dose as planned and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Hydroxyurea is a medication that is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera, and sickle cell anemia. Like any medication, hydroxyurea can potentially cause side effects. Here are some common side effects associated with hydroxyurea:

• Nausea and vomiting: These are the most common side effects of hydroxyurea. Taking the medication with food or adjusting the dosage can help alleviate these symptoms.
• Bone marrow suppression: Hydroxyurea can affect the bone marrow’s ability to produce new blood cells, leading to decreased red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can result in anemia, increased susceptibility to infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.
• Mouth sores: Some individuals may develop painful sores or ulcers in the mouth or on the lips while taking hydroxyurea.
• Skin changes: Hydroxyurea can cause skin-related side effects such as dryness, rash, itching, and darkening of the skin. Rarely, it may cause skin ulcers or blistering.
• Hair loss: Temporary hair loss or thinning of the hair may occur with the use of hydroxyurea. However, hair growth usually resumes once the medication is discontinued.
• Fatigue: Many people experience fatigue or a general feeling of weakness while taking hydroxyurea. This can be due to anemia or other factors.
• Pulmonary toxicity: In rare cases, hydroxyurea may cause lung-related side effects, including shortness of breath, cough, or lung inflammation.
• Reproductive effects: Hydroxyurea can impair fertility in both males and females. It is recommended to use effective contraception during treatment with hydroxyurea.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

When it comes to the storage and disposal of hydroxyurea, here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:

Storage:

• Store hydroxyurea at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Follow any specific storage instructions provided by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Disposal:

• Do not dispose of hydroxyurea in household trash or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so.
• Follow local regulations and guidelines for medication disposal. You can consult your pharmacist or local waste management authorities for proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of an emergency or suspected overdose, call your local emergency services immediately (e.g., 911 in the United States) or seek urgent medical attention.
• If possible, provide healthcare professionals with information about the medication and the amount ingested.

What other information should I know?

• Hydroxyurea can suppress the immune system, so it’s important to avoid contact with individuals who have contagious illnesses, such as the flu or chickenpox.
• Regular blood tests may be required to monitor your blood cell counts and ensure the safe and effective use of hydroxyurea.
• Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care about your use of hydroxyurea, including dentists and specialists, as it may affect certain medical procedures or medications.
• Hydroxyurea can cause birth defects, so it’s important to avoid becoming pregnant or fathering a child while taking the medication. Discuss appropriate contraception methods with your healthcare provider.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as certain drugs or substances may interact with hydroxyurea.

Please note that the information provided here is for general knowledge and should not replace the specific instructions and advice given by your healthcare provider.