Hydrea

Hydrea is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, ovarian cancer, and certain types of skin cancer (squamous cell cancer of the head and neck).

Introduction

Generic name: Hydroxyurea

Brand names: Droxia, Hydrea, Mylocel, Siklos

Drug class: Antimetabolites

Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Uses

Head and neck cancer

Sickle cell anemia

Benefits

In Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer includes cancer of the mouth, nose, sinuses or throat. Hydrea 500mg Capsule kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a disorder of the red blood cells (RBCs) in which they lose their original round shape and flexibility, turn sickle shape and eventually die out. Hydrea 500mg Capsule makes your red blood cells bigger. It helps them stay rounder and more flexible and makes them less likely to turn into a sickle shape. The medicine does this by increasing a special kind of hemoglobin called hemoglobin F. Hemoglobin F is also called fetal hemoglobin because newborn babies have it. This helps to treat this disease and also prevents further complications that may be life-threatening.

Directions for use

  • Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

  • Hydrea is usually taken once per day at the same time of day, with or without food. Swallow the pill whole with a glass of water.

  • Wash your hands before and after you handle Hydrea or the bottle that contains the pills. For best protection, wear disposable gloves when handling the pills.

  • Do not open the Hydrea capsule or crush or chew a tablet. Do not use a broken pill. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water.

  • If any powder from a broken pill is spilled, wipe it up at once with a damp paper towel and throw the towel away in a sealed plastic bag where children and pets cannot get to it.

  • Your doctor may also want you to take a folic acid supplement. Follow dosing instructions very carefully.

  • Hydrea can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

  • This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Hydrea.

How it works?

  • In cancer, Hydrea 500mg Capsule works by blocking an enzyme (ribonucleotide reductase) which is required for synthesis of DNA.

  • This prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

  • In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing fetal haemoglobin (HbF) levels in red blood cells (RBCs).

  • This helps the RBCs assume a normal shape, improves blood flow and protects against complications such as painful sickle cell episodes.

Side effects

Hydrea may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet

  • Skin numbness or purple discoloration

  • Skin ulcers or open sores

  • Sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath

  • Low blood cell counts–fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed

  • Signs of liver or pancreas problems–loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Hydrea may include:

  • Loss of appetite, nausea

  • Constipation, diarrhea

  • Low blood cell counts

  • Bleeding

  • Mouth sores.

Warnings

  • Both men and women using Hydrea should use birth control to prevent pregnancy. The use of Hydrea by either parent may cause birth defects.

  • Using Hydrea may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia or skin cancer. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors.

  • Hydrea can weaken your immune system. Call your doctor at once if you have a fever, chills, body aches, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, bruising, or unusual bleeding.

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