This page contains drug information on Hydrea.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Hydrea
the possible side effects of Hydrea
what happens if you miss a dose of Hydrea
what happens if you overdose with Hydrea
the most important information about Hydrea
how to use Hydrea
other drugs that may affect Hydrea
what to avoid while using Hydrea
Generic Name: hydroxyurea (high drox ee you REE ah)
Brand Names: Droxia, Hydrea
What is the most important information I should know about hydrea?
• Notify your doctor immediately if you develop fever, chills, a sore throat, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, sore in the mouth or on the lips, or unusual bleeding or bruising. These may be early signs of dangerous side effects.
• If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules and your doctor has directed you to empty the contents of the hydrea capsules into water, do not inhale the powder or let it come in contact with your skin. If the contents of a capsule are spilled, wipe it up with a damp cloth and throw it away in a sealed container (e.g., a plastic bag). Keep all medicine and empty capsule shells out of the reach of children and pets.
What is hydrea?
• hydrea affects certain cells in the body (e.g., cancer cells, sickled red blood cells). The exact way that hydrea works is not known.
• hydrea is used to treat melanoma (a type of skin cancer), chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), cancer of the ovary, and primary squamous cell (skin) cancer of the head and neck. hydrea is also used in the treatment of sickle cell anemia.
• hydrea may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrea?
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
· poor bone marrow function
· liver disease
· kidney disease, or
· had radiation therapy.
• You may not be able to take hydrea, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• hydrea is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that hydrea is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Use of effective contraception is recommended during treatment with hydrea for the prevention of pregnancy.
• hydrea passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
How should I take hydrea?
• Take hydrea exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• hydrea can be taken with or without food.
• If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules and your doctor has directed you to empty the contents of the hydrea capsules into water, do not inhale the powder or let it come in contact with your skin. If the contents of a capsule are spilled, wipe it up with a damp cloth and throw it away in a sealed container (e.g., a plastic bag). Keep all medicine and empty capsule shells out of the reach of children and pets.
• If vomiting occurs shortly after taking a dose of hydrea, contact your doctor. You may need to take another dose or you may be instructed to wait until the next scheduled dose.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with hydrea to monitor progress and side effects.
• Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. It is important to take hydrea regularly to get the most benefit.
• Store hydrea at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a hydrea overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking hydrea?
• Individuals not taking hydrea should avoid contact with the medication. If the contents of a capsule are spilled, wipe it up with a damp cloth and throw it away in a sealed container (e.g., a plastic bag). Keep all medicine and empty capsule shells out of the reach of children and pets.
• hydrea can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. In addition, do not receive vaccines that contain a live strain of the virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) and avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live virus.
What are the possible side effects of hydrea?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking hydrea, and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives) or
· fever, chills, or sore throat
· nausea or vomiting
· loss of appetite
· diarrhea
· sores in the mouth or on the lips or
· unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take hydrea and talk to your doctor if you experience
· constipation
· skin rash
· itching
· leg sores
· redness of the face
· hair loss
· drowsiness
· headache or
· dizziness.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect hydrea?
• Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with hydrea without first talking to your doctor. Your immune system may not be strong enough to receive a live vaccine while taking this medication.
• Other medications, especially those that affect the immune system, may interact with hydrea. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.
