Uses
People with sickle cell anaemia use this drug to lessen how often they experience the disease's excruciating crises and how often they require blood transfusions. Some products are also used to treat specific cancer types (such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, squamous cell carcinomas).
Use of hydroxyurea
Before starting to takehydroxyurea and each time you get a refill, read the medication guide, if one is available from your pharmacist. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any queries.
Take this medication by mouth once daily, generally with or without meal, as prescribed by your doctor. Your weight, health status, lab results, and treatment response all factor into the dosage. In the event that your blood counts are too low, your treatment can be temporarily stopped. Keep all appointments for testing and medical care.
Usage this medication just as directed and never up the dosage, frequency, or duration of use. Your disease won't get better any faster, and you'll be at a higher risk for negative side effects.
Take the capsules whole if you're using them. Never open, chew, or crush the capsules.
If using tablets, take your medication with a glass of water. If a tablet has a score line, only divide it if your doctor has told you to. If you have difficulty swallowing, you can immediately swallow the full or split tablet after dissolving it in a tiny amount of water in a teaspoon.
Before and after handling the drug or its container, wash your hands. Wearing disposable gloves while handling this drug or its container is recommended for you and/or your caregiver. If the tablet or capsule's powder spills, immediately dab it with a moist paper towel and dispose of it in a closed container, such as a plastic bag. Immediately use soap and water to wash the spilled area. Be careful not to inhale the powder that comes from the pills or capsules.
Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets or capsules since it can be absorbed via the skin and lungs.
If your situation does not improve or if it worsens, let your doctor know.
Also see the Warning Section.
It's possible to experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores, diarrhoea, or constipation. Inform your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any of these side effects persist or get worse.
Serious side effects are possible for those taking this medicine. However, your doctor has recommended this medication to you because they believe that it will benefit you more than it will harm you. Your risk may be reduced by your doctor performing careful monitoring.
If you experience any severe side effects, such as skin issues (such as ulcers, darkened/blackened/reddened skin), mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), seizures, shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark/bloody urine, or indications of kidney issues, call your doctor right away (such as change in the amount of urine).
If you have any really serious adverse effects, such as chest discomfort, seek medical attention right away.
Rarely will this medication cause a very serious allergic reaction. However, if you experience any major adverse reaction symptoms, such as a rash, itching or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away.
The list of potential negative effects is not exhaustive. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other side effects not covered above.
Hydroxyurea capsule