What is Hydrea?
The treatment of chronic leukemia with Hydrea includes ovarian carcinoma and certain types of skin tumors. (Squamous cell cancer of the head and neck)Hydrea can also be used to reduce the pain and need for blood transfusions among people with sickle cell anemia. This medicine does not cure sickle-cell anemia.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Hydrea.
Side effects of Hydrea
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Please seek immediate medical assistance:
Hydrea can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- You may experience tingling or burning in your feet or hands.
- Skin numbness and purple discoloration.
- Open sores or skin ulcers
- Feeling short of breath, a dry cough, or sudden chest pain;
- Low blood cell counts include fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, and easy bruising. Unusual bleeding. Pale skin. Cold hands and feet. Feeling light-headed.
- Signs of liver or pancreas disease include: loss of appetite; stomach pain that may extend to the back; nausea and vomiting; rapid heart rate; dark urine; and jaundice.
Hydrea side effects may include:
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Constipation, diarrhea;
- Low blood cell count
- Blood;
- Mouth sores.
There may be other side effects.For medical advice about side effects, call your physician directly. Alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse events.
Warnings
Hydrea can cause birth defects in either parent.Hydrea can increase your risk for other cancers, including leukemia and skin cancer. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock.Hydrea may weaken your immunity. If you experience a fever or chills, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, bruising, or unusual bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Hydrea, it is best not to use Hydrea.
Be sure to inform your physician of 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 taking antiviral medicines);
- High levels of uric acid in your blood could put you at risk.
- Treatment with interferon, chemotherapy, or radiation
Hydrea can increase your risk of developing leukemia or other cancers. Speak to your doctor about the specific risks you face.Hydrea can harm an unborn baby. Women and men should both use birth control methods to reduce their chances of 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 Hydrea.
- Keep using birth control if you are a male for at least one year after the last dose. (Six months if you use 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 (ability to conceive children). It is still important to use birth control because hydrea can harm a baby if you do get pregnant.If you take Hydrea, it is not recommended that you breastfeed.The effects of this medication may be more pronounced in older adults.
How to take Hydrea?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Hydrea can be taken with or without food, once a day. Swallow the whole pill with a glass of water.Hand-wash before and after handling Hydrea pills or the bottle containing the pills. Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands when handling the pills.Avoid opening the Hydrea capsule or crushing or chewing a tablet. Broken pills should not be used. A broken or crushed pill may contain dangerous medicine if it enters your nose, eyes, mouth, or skin.If 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. Dosage instructions should be followed very closely.Hydrea 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 certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about hydrea.Store away from moisture or heat 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 discoloration in your hands and/or feet.
What should be avoided?
Hydrea can increase the 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 Hydrea. This could cause you to develop a serious disease. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, rotavirus (typhoid), yellow fever, varicella, chickenpox, zoster, and influenza (influenza).Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.Use disposable gloves to protect your skin when handling Hydrea pills and the medicine bottle.
Interaction with other drug
Hydrea can cause serious side effects when taken with certain medicines. Inform your doctor if, in addition to Hydrea, you also take an antiviral medication or interferon.Hydrea can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
