Drug Name

Hydrea (Hydroxyurea)

Drug Use

Hydrea is used to treat skin cancer, ovarian cancer, or chronic myelogenous leukemia, which can not be helped with surgery. It can also be used for radiation control of the head and neck skin cancer. It can also be used for other conditions determined by your doctor.

How To Use

Use Hydrea as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Hydrea by mouth with or without food.
• Wash your hands before and after taking Hydrea, wear gloves while you are taking Hydrea.
• If you have difficulty swallowing, empty the contents of the capsule into a glass of water and drink immediately. Be careful when emptying the capsule into water. Do not let the powder to come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes and do not inhale the powder when opening the capsule. If the powder is spilled, it should be immediately wiped up with a damp towel and disposed of, as should the empty capsules.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Hydrea is recommended.
• Do not use Hydrea if the expiration date has passed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly dispose of expired medicine.

Mechanism Of Action

Hydrea is an antineoplastic agent. It works by preventing necessary steps for cancer cell growth and reproduction, resulting in cell death.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose of Hydrea, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Hydrea at room temperature between 20 and 25 C (68 and 77 F). Keep away from heat, moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and away from pets.

Precautions

Do not use Hydrea if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Hydrea
• you have severe bone marrow disease, low white blood cell count, low blood platelet level, or severe anemia

Important Safety Information

• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Hydrea before you receive any medical or dental care.
• Hydrea may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Prevent the infection by avoiding contact with people who have cold or other infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash or chill.
• Hydrea may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding avoid activities that may cause bruising or injuries. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bleeding, bruising, bloody or dark, tarry stool.
• Avoid vaccinations with live virus vaccines (e.g. measles, mumps, polio) while you are taking Hydrea.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and platelet counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.
• Use Hydrea with caution in the elderly, since they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Hydrea is not recommended for use in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: contraindicated. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using Hydrea while you are pregnant. Hydrea is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Hydrea.

Side Effects

• Constipation; drowsiness; hair loss; inflammation of mouth; loss of appetite; nausea; redness of the face.

Consult a doctor immediately if any of the serious side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood diseases, including the low red or white blood cell counts, blood in urine, chill, diarrhea, fever, inflammation of the pancreas, liver, toxicity; low back or abdominal pain, painful urination, cough, secondary leukemia, dyspnoea, skin cancer, skin ulcers or injury, sore throat, sores in the mouth or lips, abnormal bruises or bleeding, vomiting.

More Information

Use Hydrea strictly as directed by your doctor.