What is Hydroxyurea?
The treatment of chronic leukemia with hydroxyurea includes ovarian carcinoma and certain types of skin tumors.It is also used by people with anemia to reduce the pain and need for blood transfusions. The use of hydroxyurea does not cure sickle-cell anemia.This medication guide does not list all uses of hydroxyurea.
Side effects of Hydroxyurea
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. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Hydroxyurea 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, fatigue, mouth sores, and easy bruising. Unusual bleeding and 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.
Side effects of hydroxyurea include:
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Constipation, diarrhea;
- Low blood cell count
- Blood;
- Mouth sores.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
methotrexate, Keytruda, pembrolizumab, cyclophosphamide, imatinib, vitamin E, Gleevec
Warnings
Both parents should use birth control when using hydroxyurea.The use of hydroxyurea can increase the risk of other cancers, including leukemia and skin cancer. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock.Hydroxyurea may weaken your immunity. If you experience a high fever, chills, or body aches; if you are extremely tired and have difficulty breathing; if there is bruising or bleeding that seems unusual, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to hydroxyurea, do not use it.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- 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
- Treatment with interferon, chemotherapeutic agents, or radiation
The use of hydroxyurea can increase your risk of developing leukemia or other cancers. Speak to your doctor about the specific risks you face.Hydroxyurea can harm an unborn baby. Men and women who use this medication should both use birth control to avoid 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 hydroxyurea.
- Keep using birth control, if you are a male, for at least one year after your last dose. (Six months if your last dose was 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 hydroxyurea can harm a baby if you do get pregnant.If you take hydroxyurea, it is not recommended that you breastfeed.The effects of this medication may be more pronounced in older adults.
How to take Hydroxyurea?
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.Hydroxyurea can be taken with or without food, once a day. Swallow the whole pill with a glass of water.Hand-washing is recommended before and after handling hydroxyurea pills or the bottle containing the pills. Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands when handling the pills.Open the capsule of hydroxyurea, or do not crush or chew the tablet. Broken pills should not be used. A broken or crushed pill may contain dangerous medicine if it enters your nose, eyes, or mouth. Wash your skin and rinse your eyes if this happens.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 a folic acid supplement. Dosing instructions should be followed very closely.
Your blood count can be reduced by hydroxyurea. You will have to test your blood often. The results may delay your cancer treatment.This medication can interfere with certain medical tests. Tell your doctor that you use hydroxyurea.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.You may experience drowsiness and mouth sores, as well as swelling and pain in your hands and legs.
What should be avoided?
The use of hydroxyurea 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 use hydroxyurea while receiving a live vaccine. Otherwise, you may develop a serious disease. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, typhoid (yellow fever), varicella (chickenpox), yellow fever (shingles), and influenza (nasal flu).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 hydroxyurea tablets or the medicine container.
Interaction with other drug
Certain medicines can increase the risk of side effects when taking hydroxyurea. Inform your doctor if antiviral medication or interferon is also being used.Other drugs can affect hydroxyurea. These include vitamins and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
