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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Oct 22, 2024 | 7:37 PM IST
Unidrea 500 mg Capsule is used to treat head and neck cancer and sickle cell anemia (blocking the flow of blood that causes pain and organ damage). It works by blocking an enzyme that is required for growing cells. This prevents the cancer cells from multiplying and growing. In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing fetal hemoglobin (HbF) (hemoglobin of unborn baby) levels in red blood cells (RBCs). This helps the RBCs accept a normal shape, recovers the flow of blood, and protects against problems like painful sickle cell attacks. It may cause side effects such as loss of appetite (feeling unwell and stomach upset), increased bleeding tendency, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting.
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Synonym

HYDROXYCARBAMIDE

Manufacturer/Marketer

United Biotech Pvt Ltd

Consume Type

ORAL

Return Policy

Not Returnable

Expires on or after

Jan-27

for this medicine

About Unidrea 500 mg Capsule

Unidrea 500 mg Capsule belongs to a group of classes known as an antimetabolite. It is an anticancer medicine used to treat head and neck cancer and sickle cell anemia (blocking the flow of blood that causes pain and organ damage). Head and neck cancer is a disease including abnormal growth of the tissues of the neck and head that may also have the ability to attack or spread to other portions of the body. Sickle cell anemia is a disease in which your body results in abnormally shaped red blood cells. The cells are shaped like a curved or sickle.

In cancer, Unidrea 500 mg Capsule works by blocking an enzyme that is required for growing cells. This prevents the cancer cells from multiplying and growing. In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing fetal hemoglobin (HbF) (hemoglobin of unborn baby) levels in red blood cells (RBCs). This helps the RBCs accept a normal shape, recovers the flow of blood, and protects against problems like painful sickle cell attacks.

Take Unidrea 500 mg Capsule as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Unidrea 500 mg Capsule for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. You may experience loss of appetite (feeling unwell and stomach upset), Increased bleeding tendency, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting. Most of these side effects of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.

Before starting Unidrea 500 mg Capsule , please inform your doctor if you have any allergy, kidney disease, liver disease, injury on your legs, HIV or AIDS, high level of uric acid in your blood, and treatment with chemotherapy or radiation. Unidrea 500 mg Capsule may increase the chances of other cancer. Inform your doctor about this risk. Immediately contact your doctor if you are pregnant because this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby. Both women and men using this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule should use birth control to avoid pregnancy. The use of this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule by either parent may results in birth defects. You should not take this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule during breastfeeding, inform your doctor if you take Unidrea 500 mg Capsule .

Uses of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule

Treatment of Head and neck cancer and sickle cell anemia (blocking flow of blood that causes pain and organ damage).

Medicinal Benefits

Unidrea 500 mg Capsule belongs to a group of the class known as an antimetabolite. It is used to treat head and neck cancer and sickle cell anemia (blocking the flow of blood that causes pain and organ damage). In cancer, Unidrea 500 mg Capsule works by blocking an enzyme that is required for growing cells. This prevents the cancer cells from multiplying and growing. In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing fetal hemoglobin (HbF) (hemoglobin of unborn baby) levels in red blood cells (RBCs). This helps the RBCs accept a normal shape, recovers the flow of blood, and protects against problems like painful sickle cell attacks.

Directions for Use

Take Unidrea 500 mg Capsule as advised by the doctor. Swallow it as a whole with water. Do not crush, break or chew it. Wash your hands before and after handling the bottle containing Unidrea 500 mg Capsule . Crushed or broken pill can be unsafe if it gets in your mouth, nose, eyes, or on your skin. If this happens, wash your skin with water and soap or wash your eyes with water.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule

  • Loss of appetite (feeling unwell and stomach upset)

  • Increased bleeding tendency

  • Nausea

  • Upset stomach

  • Vomiting

Drug Warnings

Before taking Unidrea 500 mg Capsule inform your doctor if you have any kind of infection because Unidrea 500 mg Capsule may worsen the infections. Talk to your doctor if you have any allergy symptoms. Kidney disease, liver disease, injury on your legs, HIV or AIDS, high level of uric acid in your blood, and treatment with chemotherapy or radiation inform your doctor. Unidrea 500 mg Capsule may increase the chances of other cancer. Inform your doctor about this risk. Immediately contact your doctor if you are pregnant because this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby. Both women and men using this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule should use birth control to avoid pregnancy. The use of this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule by either parent may result in birth defects. You should not take this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule during breastfeeding, inform your doctor if you take Unidrea 500 mg Capsule . If any powder from a damaged pill is leaked, wash it up at once with a wet paper towel and throw the towel away in a closed plastic bag where children cannot get to it.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Unidrea 500 mg Capsule may interact with antiviral medicines (didanosine, stavudine, and indinavir), pain killer (aspirin, ibuprofen), blood thinner (warfarin), antiallergic medicines (diphenhydramine), antigout medicine (allopurinol), medicine for sleep (zolpidem).

Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interaction: People affected with kidney disease, liver disease, reduce production of blood cells, and brain disorder.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • DIDANOSINE
  • INDINAVIR
  • ASPIRIN
  • IBUPROFEN
  • DIPHENHYDRAMINE
  • ALLOPURINOL
  • ZOLPIDEM

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Take Unidrea 500 mg Capsule at the same time daily, either with or without a meal.
  • It is recommended to remain hydrated and drink a lot of fluids while taking Unidrea 500 mg Capsule .
  • Do not miss any dose and finish the course as recommended by your doctor.
  • Use an efficient method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule .
  • Your doctor may get routine blood tests done to monitor your liver function, electrolyte levels, blood cell count in your blood.

Special Advise

  • Wash your hands before and after handling the bottle containing Unidrea 500 mg Capsule .

  • Crushed or broken pill can be unsafe if it gets in your mouth, nose, eyes, or on your skin. If this happens, wash your skin with water and soap or wash your eyes with water.

Disease/Condition Glossary

Head and neck cancer: It is a disease including abnormal growth of the tissues of the neck and head that may also have the ability to attack or spread to other portions of the body. Cancer of the head and neck generally starts in the cells known as squamous cells which appear in the lining of the surface of moist mucosa in the head and neck (e.g., inside of the throat, nose, and mouth).

Sickle cell anemia: It is a disease in which your body results in abnormally shaped red blood cells. The cells are shaped like a curved or sickle. They do not last as long as round, normal, red blood cells. This causes anemia. The sickle cells also get pushed into blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood. This can result in pain and organ damage.

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Alcohol

Caution

The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or usefulness of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule . If taking alcohol more amount then it causes dizziness.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Unidrea 500 mg Capsule is not safe during pregnancy because it may cause harmful effects to the baby.

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Breast Feeding

Caution

It is unknown whether Unidrea 500 mg Capsule is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using Unidrea 500 mg Capsule while breastfeeding.

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Driving

Caution

Unidrea 500 mg Capsule may cause dizziness or severe headache. Therefore, drive only if you alert after taking Unidrea 500 mg Capsule .

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Liver

Caution

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.

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Kidney

Caution

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.

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Children

Unsafe

Safety and efficacy of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule have not established for children. Therefore not recommended for children.

Country of origin

INDIA

Manufacturer/Marketer address

FC/B-1 (Extn.), Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate Mathura Road, New Delhi - 110 044.
Other Info - UNI0066

Author Details

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FAQs

Unidrea 500 mg Capsule is used to treat head and neck cancer and sickle cell anaemia (blocking the flow of blood that causes pain and organ damage).
Take the Unidrea 500 mg Capsule as soon as you can but avoid the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule entirely.
Immediately go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Unidrea 500 mg Capsule may cause a risk of skin cancer. Avoid contact with sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective cloth and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outside. Do not handle Unidrea 500 mg Capsule without the protection of skin.
Unidrea 500 mg Capsule can cause dizziness and drowsiness during the first limited hours after you take it. These side effects are more expected to happen when you start taking Unidrea 500 mg Capsule or when your doctor increases your dose.
Do not stop taking Unidrea 500 mg Capsule without discussing it with your doctor. Your doctor will most likely tell you to take another medicine, folic acid (a vitamin), to reduce some of the side effects of this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule . Take this Unidrea 500 mg Capsule exactly as instructed.
Unidrea 500 mg Capsule is a medication that requires careful monitoring and dosing based on your individual medical condition, weight, and other factors. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your hydroxyurea dosage. They can provide personal guidance and ensure you're taking the correct amount.
Unidrea 500 mg Capsule can cause diarrhoea as a side effect. If you have watery or bloody diarrhoea, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your paediatrician tells you to.
Yes, it is recommended that you avoid certain foods and drinks while taking Unidrea 500 mg Capsule . Some substances can interact with the medication, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Here are some things to avoid: alcohol, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Foods high in tyramine (aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, and certain types of beans), and excessive caffeine.
If you're feeling tired and weak while taking hydroxyurea, try these tips: rest when needed, eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. Gentle exercise can also help. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you're experiencing severe fatigue or weakness that interferes with your daily activities. They may be able to adjust your treatment or recommend additional strategies.
Unidrea 500 mg Capsule is not safe during pregnancy because it may cause harmful effects to the baby.
Unidrea 500 mg Capsule can make your hair thin or fall out. This is a common side effect, but how much hair you lose can change from person to person. Sometimes, hair loss is temporary, but in rare cases, it can be permanent. If you're worried about hair loss, talk to your doctor. They can help you manage it.
If you notice any changes in your skin while taking Unidrea 500 mg Capsule , talk to your doctor. It's common to have darker skin or a rash. To protect your skin, use sunscreen, moisturize, and avoid things that might irritate it. If your skin problems are severe, see a dermatologist.
If you are having trouble with constipation while taking Unidrea 500 mg Capsule , try these tips: eat more fibre, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and consider using over-the-counter laxatives after talking to your doctor. Avoid food that can worsen constipation, and try to go to the bathroom at the same time each day. If your constipation is severe, talk to your doctor.
To reduce the risk of infection while taking Unidrea 500 mg Capsule , wash your hands often, avoid sick people, keep your home clean, get vaccinated, watch for signs of infection, and follow your doctor's instructions.
Common side effects of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule may include loss of appetite (feeling unwell and stomach upset), Increased bleeding tendency, nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting. Most of these side effects of Unidrea 500 mg Capsule do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.

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