What is Droxia?
Droxia can be used to treat chronic leukemia and ovarian carcinoma. It is also used for certain types of cancers of the skin. Droxia can also be used to reduce the pain episodes in patients with sickle cell anemia and the need for transfusions. This medication will not cure sickle-cell anemia. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Droxia.
Side effects of Droxia
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Droxia can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- You may experience numbness or tingling in your feet or hands.
- Skin numbness and purple discoloration.
- Open sores or skin ulcers
- Feeling short of breath, chest pain, dry cough,
- Low blood cell count—fever and chills; tiredness; mouth sores. Easy bruising. Unusual bleeding. Pale skin. Cold hands and feet. Feeling light-headed.
- Dark urine, rapid heart rate, and jaundice are all signs of liver or stomach problems.
Droxia side effects may include:
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Constipation, diarrhea;
- Low blood cell count
- Bleeding;
- Mouth sores.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects. For advice about their potential medical implications. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Droxia can cause birth defects in either parent. Droxia can increase your risk for other cancers, including leukemia and skin cancer. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock. Droxia weakens your immune system. If you experience a fever or chills, body pains, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, bruising, or unusual bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
Droxia should not be used if you have an allergy to it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Liver disease
- A wound or ulcer in your leg.
- HIV or AIDS, especially if you are taking antiviral medication;
- High levels of uric acid in your blood
- Treatment with interferon, chemotherapy, or radiation
Droxia can increase your risk of developing leukemia or other cancers. Discuss any specific risks with your physician. Droxia can harm an unborn baby. Both men using this medication and women should use birth control to prevent pregnancy. This medicine can cause birth defects if used by either parent.
- Keep using birth control if you are a female for at least six months after the last dose of Droxia.
- Keep using birth control for a minimum of 1 year following your last dose (or 6 months if you used Siklos).
- Do not hesitate to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using this medication.
This medication may have an effect on men's fertility. It is still important to use birth control because doxia can harm a baby if it does happen. While taking Droxia, you should not breastfeed. The effects of this medication may be more pronounced in older adults.
How to take Droxia?
Keep all instructions or guides that accompany your medication closely in mind, following their directions exactly. Occasionally, doctors may alter dosage requirements; you should always take it exactly as prescribed. Droxia should be taken daily with or without food, swallowing the whole pill with water to ensure maximum absorption. Hand-washing is recommended before and after handling Droxia pills or the bottle containing the pills. To protect yourself, use disposable gloves to handle the pills. You should not crush or chew the Droxia tablet or open the capsule. Broken pills should not be used. A broken or crushed pill may contain dangerous medicine if it enters your nose, eyes, mouth, or skinIf powder is spilled from a broken tablet, clean it immediately with a wet paper towel. Then place the towel in a plastic bag that cannot be opened by children or pets. You may be advised by your doctor to take folic acid supplements. Dosing instructions should be followed very closely. Droxia can cause your blood count to drop. You will have to test your blood often. The results may delay your cancer treatment. This medication can interfere with the results of certain tests. Inform any doctor that you see about Droxia. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include drowsiness and mouth sores. You may also experience swelling, pain, and a purple discoloration on your hands and/or feet.
What should be avoided?
Droxia can increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid tanning beds or exposure to the sun. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30+). You should not receive any "live" vaccinations while taking Droxia. This could lead to a serious disease. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, rotavirus (typhoid), yellow fever, varicella, typhoid (chickenpox), and nasal influenza (influenza). Avoid being around people who are ill or infected. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately. Use disposable gloves to protect your skin when handling Droxia or the medication bottle.
Interaction with other drug
Droxia can cause serious side effects when taken with certain medicines. Inform your doctor if, in addition to Droxia, you also take an antiviral medication or interferon. Droxia can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
