Drug
Hydroxyurea
Pronounced
"hi-DROX-ee-you-REE-uh"
Uses
This medication 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 to treat certain types of cancer (such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, squamous cell carcinomas).
Warning
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, cough, fever, chills), easy bruising/bleeding, pale skin, unusual tiredness.
Hydroxyurea may cause other cancers (such as secondary leukemia, skin cancer). Protect your skin from the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of cancer, such as swollen glands, sudden weight loss, night sweats, or unusual skin growths/moles.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for polycythemia vera or thrombocythemia.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide if available from your pharmacist before you start taking hydroxyurea and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, lab results, and response to treatment. Your treatment may be stopped for a short time if your blood counts are too low. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.
If you are using the capsules, swallow the them whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.
If you are using the tablets, swallow your dose with a glass of water. Only split a tablet if it has a score line and your doctor has instructed you to do so. If you have trouble swallowing, you may dissolve the whole or split tablet in a small amount of water in a teaspoon and swallow it right away.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, read the Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using hydroxyurea and each time you get a refill. Do not shake the medication. Carefully measure the dose using the special measuring device that is provided. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. After each dose, drink some water to make sure all the dose is taken. Rinse the syringe with water after each use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash hands before and after handling the medication or its container. You and/or your caregiver should wear disposable gloves when handling this medication or its container. If this medication spills, wipe it up right away with a wet paper towel and throw away in a closed container such as a plastic bag. Clean the spill area right away with soap and water. Make sure not to breathe the powder from the tablets/capsules.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets/capsules.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.