Hydrea
Generic Name: Hydroxyurea
Brand Name: Hydrea
Indications
Hydrea is indicated for treating skin cancer, cancer of the ovary or chronic myelocytic leukemia that is recurrent, or cannot be helped with surgery. It may also be used with radiation to control skin cancers of the head and neck.
Dosage and Administration
Hydrea is available as 500mg capsules.
Normal dosage:
All dosage should be based on the patient's actual or ideal weight, whichever is less. Concurrent use of HYDREA with other myelosuppressive agents may require adjustment of dosages.
Drug Description
HYDREA® (hydroxyurea capsules, USP) is an antineoplastic agent available for oral use as capsules providing 500 mg hydroxyurea. Inactive ingredients: citric acid, colorants (D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red 40, and D&C Red 28), gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium phosphate, and titanium dioxide.
Hydroxyurea occurs as an essentially tasteless, white crystalline powder. Its structural formula is:
Side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking this medication, and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction
- nausea or vomiting
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- sores in the mouth or on the lips
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.
Precautions
- This medication 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.
- Some medical conditions may interact with Hydrea. Tell your doctor or pharmacist
- if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, food, or other substances
- if you have kidney problems
- This medication is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it 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 for the prevention of pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
Avoid taking Didanosine during the treatment because this may increase the risk of side effects, such as inflammation of the pancreas.
