Prescription Required
Description
Hydrea is an oral antimetabolite capsule made up of a drug called hydroxyurea. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 500mg!
Hydrea is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (a cancer of the white blood cells) and ovarian cancer (cancer of the reproductive system in women). It may also be given with radiation treatment for advanced squamous cell cancer (skin cancer of the head and neck). Hydrea is effective in treating certain types of cancer because hydroxyurea interferes with the growth of cancer cells which eventually your body will destroy.
Additionally, Hydrea may be used to help minimize the amount of pain episodes and the need of blood transfusions in people with sickle cell anemia (a disease that distorts red blood cells throughout the body). Hydrea is effective in treating sickle cell anemia due to hydroxyureas ability to make the red blood cells more flexible.
Directions
Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Hydrea (hydroxyurea) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.
Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water, with or without food, once per day; take the capsule at the same time every day.
Wash your hands before and after handling this medication. For most effective protection, use gloves while handling Hydrea.
Do not use a capsule that has broken open. Do not allow the spilt medication to touch your skin, be inhaled into your nose or mouth or come into contact with your eyes. Wipe any spilt medication with a damp paper towel; throw the paper towel into a plastic bag and out of reach of children.
Please note; your doctor may require you to also take a folic acid supplement during the time of treatment with Hydrea. Ensure you are following any supplement requirements set in place.
Store at room temperature. Protect from heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Cautions
During the treatment of Hydrea, both men and women should use effective forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Using this medication can cause birth defects, whether it is the father or mother taking Hydrea.
v For women; continue taking birth control for at least 6 months after completing treatment of Hydrea.
v For men; continue using birth control for 1 year after completing treatment.
For men, Hydrea may cause infertility (inability to have biological children)
Woman should not breastfeed while using this medication. Speak with your doctor if this concerns you.
Your chances of developing other types of cancer are increased while taking Hydrea. These cancers may include leukemia or skin cancer. Ensure you are protecting yourself from radiation when traveling outside or in the sun.
Your immune system may be weakened when using Hydrea. Call your doctor if you have signs of an infection (see side effects) and practice good hygiene by washing your hands throughout the day and avoiding contact with sick or infected people.
For safety measures, you should tell your doctor before taking Hydrea if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a wound or ulcer on your leg, HIV or AIDS, if you take antiviral medicines, high levels of uric acid in your blood or if you have treatment with an interferon, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Side Effects
Please note that seniors and older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects Hydrea may cause. This is not a complete list of side effects.
Common side effects of Hydrea (hydroxyurea) may include:
loss of appetite, nausea; constipation, diarrhea; low blood cell counts; bleeding; or mouth sores.The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Hydrea (hydroxyurea) may include:
numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet; skin numbness or purple discoloration; skin ulcers or open sores; or sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Signs to watch for:
weakened immune system/new infection-- fever, chills, body aches, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, bruising, or unusual bleeding.
low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed; or
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).
FAQs
Is it safe to get vaccine shots done while on this medication?
Some vaccines may cause you to develop a serious infection while on Hydrea. Avoid live vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.
Is this medication safe for kids?
Yes. Some children have successfully use Hydrea as a treatment. Speak with your doctor to see if Hydrea is right for your child.
What is the average dose for an adult with chronic myelogenous leukemia?
The average dose for an adult with leukemia would be 15mg per kg once a day. (E.g. an adult weighing 150pounds/68 kilograms would take 1,020mg per day)
What should I avoid while using Hydrea?
Avoid the use of tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure; wear sun protective clothing and hats, and wear spf 30 or higher sunscreen. Your risk for skin cancer is increased when taking Hydrea.
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