Hydrea prevents cancer cell growth and reproduction. Along with radiation it may help to control different types of cancers. It may also be used for the treatment of other diseases as determined by your doctor.
Take this medicine directly as your doctor prescribed.
- Do not use Hydrea after expiration date. Check with your doctor how to properly dispose of expired medicine.
- Take Hydrea with or without food.
- Wash your hands before and after using Hydrea or its bottle. Wear rubber gloves while you are handling Hydrea or the bottle with Hydrea. Dispose the gloves after you remove them as your doctor instructed.
- If it is difficult for youto swallow the capsule of Hydroxyurea, carefully empty the contents of the capsule into a glass of water and drink immediately. It is not recommended to allow the powder from the capsule to come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Also you should not inhale the powder when opening the capsules. If the powder is spilled, immediately wipe it up with a damp towel and dispose of. The empty capsules also should be disposed.
- Drink extra fluids while you are taking Hydroxyurea. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions;
Discuss with your health care provider any questions about usage of Hydrea.
If you miss a dose or forget to take Hydrea, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. It is not recommended to take two doses at once.
Hydrea should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store this medicine away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep bottle with Hydrea out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Hydrea Safety information
Do not use Hydrea if you have:
- an allergy to any ingredient in Hydrea;
- severe bone marrow depression;
- low white blood cell counts and low blood platelet levels;
- severe anemia.
Read carefully:
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. Do not share Hydrea with other people.
- Hydrea is not recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Hydrea has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Avoid pregnancy while you are using it. If you suspect you are pregnant, notify your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Hydrea while you are pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking Hydrea, as Hydrea passes into breast milk.
- Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
- Hydrea reduce the ability of your body to fight infection. Try to avoid contact with people with chills or other infections. Inform your doctor of any signs of infection, including rash, fever, sore throat, or chills.
- Hydrea may lower the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Prevent bleeding by avoiding situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Tell about any unusual bruising, bleeding, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
- You should avoid vaccinations with live virus vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, oral polio) while you are taking Hydrea . Hydrea lower effects of vaccinations.
- To monitor your condition or check for side effects during you are taking Hydrea you may use special lab tests, including complete blood cell and platelet counts. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- For elderly Hydrea should be used with caution, as elderly may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Do not give this medicine to children. Safety and efficacy have not been confirmed.
Hydrea Side effects
It is necessary to tell your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
- inflammation of the mouth; loss of appetite; drowsiness; hair loss; constipation; nausea; redness of the face.
The following symptoms or side effects require immediate medical or emergency help:
- lower back or abdominal pain; liver toxicity; blood disorders, severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; rash; hives; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); including low numbers of red or white blood cells; blood in the urine; chills; diarrhea; fever; inflammation of the pancreas; painful urination; persistent cough; secondary leukemia; shortness of breath; skin cancer; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting; skin sores or lesions; sore throat; sores on the mouth or lips.
