Hydroxyurea
About Hydroxyurea
Hydroxyurea is an anticancer medicine used to treat head and neck cancer and sickle cell anaemia (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.
In cancer, Hydroxyurea works by blocking an enzyme that is required for growing cells. In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing fetal haemoglobin (HbF) (haemoglobin of the unborn baby) levels in red blood cells (RBCs).
You may experience loss of appetite (feeling unwell and stomach upset), increased bleeding tendency, nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting. Most of these side effects of Hydroxyurea do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Take Hydroxyurea as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Hydroxyurea for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical conditions. Do not chew, break, or crush the medicine. Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
Before starting Hydroxyurea, please inform your doctor if you have any allergies, kidney disease, liver disease, injury to your legs, HIV or AIDS, high levels of uric acid in your blood, or treatment with chemotherapy or radiation. Hydroxyurea may increase the chances of other cancer. Inform your doctor about this risk. Immediately contact your doctor if you are pregnant because this Hydroxyurea can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby.
Uses of Hydroxyurea
Medicinal Benefits
- Hydroxyurea belongs to a group of the class known as an antimetabolite.
- It is used to treat head and neck cancer and sickle cell anaemia (blocking the flow of blood that causes pain and organ damage).
- In cancer, Hydroxyurea 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 haemoglobin (HbF) (haemoglobin of the unborn baby) levels in red blood cells (RBCs).
- This helps the RBCs assume a normal shape, restores blood flow, and protects against problems like painful sickle cell attacks.
Directions for Use
- Take Hydroxyurea with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Hydroxyurea is generally taken once a day or as directed by the doctor.
- Swallow Hydroxyurea as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Hydroxyurea
- Loss of appetite (feeling unwell and stomach upset)
- Increased bleeding tendency
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Drug Warnings
- Before taking Hydroxyurea inform your doctor if you have any kind of infection because Hydroxyurea may worsen the infections.
- Consult your doctor if you experience any allergy symptoms.
- Inform your doctor if you have any history of kidney disease, liver disease, injury to your legs, HIV or AIDS, high levels of uric acid in your blood, or treatment with chemotherapy or radiation.
- Hydroxyurea may increase the chances of other cancers. Inform your doctor about this risk.
- Immediately contact your doctor if you are pregnant because this Hydroxyurea can cause harmful effects on the unborn baby.
- Both women and men using this Hydroxyurea should use birth control to avoid pregnancy.
- The use of this Hydroxyurea by either parent may result in birth defects.
- You should not take this Hydroxyurea during breastfeeding; inform your doctor if you take Hydroxyurea.
- If any powder from a damaged pill is leaked, wash it up immediately with a wet paper towel and dispose of the towel in a closed plastic bag out of reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Hydroxyurea 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:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or usefulness of Hydroxyurea. Taking alcohol in larger amounts causes dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeHydroxyurea is not safe during pregnancy because it may cause harmful effects to the baby.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Hydroxyurea is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using Hydroxyurea while breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionHydroxyurea may cause dizziness or a severe headache. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Hydroxyurea.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Hydroxyurea in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Hydroxyurea in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
unsafeThe safety and efficacy of Hydroxyurea have not been established in children. Therefore, it is not recommended for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take Hydroxyurea 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 Hydroxyurea.
- 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 Hydroxyurea.
- Your doctor may get routine blood tests done to monitor your liver function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell count.
Special Advise
- Wash your hands before and after handling the bottle containing Hydroxyurea.
- A 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.
Patients Concern
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.
FAQs
Hydroxyurea 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 Hydroxyurea 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 Hydroxyurea 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.
Hydroxyurea may cause a risk of skin cancer. Avoid contact with sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outside. Do not handle Hydroxyurea without the protection of skin.
Hydroxyurea 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 Hydroxyurea or when your doctor increases your dose.
Do not stop taking Hydroxyurea 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 Hydroxyurea. Take this Hydroxyurea exactly as instructed.
Hydroxyurea 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.
Hydroxyurea 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 Hydroxyurea. 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.
Hydroxyurea is not safe during pregnancy because it may cause harmful effects to the baby.
Hydroxyurea 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 Hydroxyurea, 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 Hydroxyurea, 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 Hydroxyurea, 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 Hydroxyurea may include loss of appetite (feeling unwell and stomach upset), increased bleeding tendency, nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting. Most of these side effects of Hydroxyurea do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.
