Hydrea (Hydroxyurea)

What is Hydrea?

Hydrea is an oral anti-cancer medication.

What is Hydrea used for?

Hydrea is indicated for the treatment of certain types of cancer such as melanoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, cancer of the ovary and squamous cell carcinomas. It is also used in people suffering with sickle cell anemia to reduce the instances of pain caused by the disease and to lower the need for blood transfusions.

How does Hydrea work?

Hydrea works by affecting some cells in the body – for example, sickled red blood cells or cancer cells.

How to use Hydrea

Use Hydrea in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Read the instruction leaflet very carefully before taking the drug. Do not take the medicine for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed.

The medicine is usually taken by mouth, once daily, with food or without food, as prescribed by your doctor. The pill should be swallowed as whole rather than the tablet being crushed, broken or chewed. It is recommended that you take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis, while you are on the dosing schedule of this medicine. If there is a low blood cell count, discontinue its use.

Hydrea warnings and precautions

Before taking Hydrea, mention to your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. Do not take Hydrea if you suffer from poor bone marrow function, liver or kidney disease, IV infection, or high uric acid level in the blood.

Wash your hands before consuming the capsule as it may also worsen the condition by spreading infection.

Do not have any vaccination or immunization done while consuming this medicine. Try avoiding activities where you have chances to get cut, bruised, or injured.

Pregnant and lactating women should not take this medication, unless prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

What do I do if I have missed a Hydrea dose?

If you have missed a Hydrea dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Hydrea overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Hydrea, seek medical guidance immediately.

Hydrea interactions

Some drugs are known to interact with Hydrea when used in tandem with it. These include blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, cephalexin, amlodipine, albuterol, metroprolol, should be restricted along with the use of Hydrea.

Therefore, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription and non prescription drugs that you are taking, before using Hydrea. Also, tell him about any herbal medicines, or mineral or vitamin supplements that you have been using.

The doctor should be informed of any kind of medication that the patient is already taking in order to avert any interference with the treatment.

Hydrea side effects

Side effects of Hydrea include a decrease in bone marrow function, signs of an infection (such as fever, chills, and persistent sore throat), easy bruising or bleeding, skin problems (such as ulcers, darkened/blackened/reddened skin, unusual growths/moles), pale skin, or unusual tiredness. Tell your doctor immediately if you see dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, change in the amount of urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, and alopecia are less serious side effects of Hydrea.