Product Description
Find answers to common questions about our product, including dosage, storage, and side effects.
- Medication used by individuals with sickle cell anemia to decrease the frequency of painful crises and the reliance on blood transfusions.
- Some brands are also employed to treat specific cancer types, including chronic myelogenous leukemia and squamous cell carcinomas.
- Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before starting hydroxyurea and with each refill; consult your doctor or pharmacist for any questions.
- Take the medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Dosage is determined by weight, medical condition, lab results, and treatment response.
- Treatment may be temporarily halted if blood counts become too low. Attend all medical and lab appointments.
- Do not exceed the prescribed dose or use the drug more frequently or for a longer duration than directed to avoid increased risks of serious side effects.
- If using capsules, swallow them whole; do not crush, chew, or open them.
- For tablets, swallow with a glass of water; split only if there is a score line and your doctor instructs. If swallowing is difficult, dissolve the whole or split tablet in a small amount of water and swallow immediately.
- Practice good hygiene when handling the medication or its container, wearing disposable gloves. Clean up spills promptly with wet paper towels and dispose of them properly.
- As the drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should avoid handling the medication or inhaling dust from tablets/capsules.
- Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
- Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores, diarrhea, or constipation. Inform your doctor if these persist or worsen.
- Serious side effects can occur; however, the prescribed medication is deemed beneficial, and close monitoring can reduce risks.
- Notify your doctor promptly of serious side effects such as skin problems (ulcers, darkened/red skin), mental/mood changes, seizures, shortness of breath, yellowing eyes/skin, dark/bloody urine, or signs of kidney problems.
- Seek immediate medical attention for very serious side effects like chest pain.
- While rare, a severe allergic reaction may occur. Get medical help if you notice symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you observe any other effects not listed.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have before taking hydroxyurea, as inactive ingredients could cause allergic reactions.
- Provide your medical history, especially regarding blood/bone marrow problems, kidney disease, liver disease, HIV infection, high uric acid levels, or past radiation treatment.
- Hydroxyurea may increase susceptibility to infections or worsen existing ones. Avoid contact with individuals with easily spread infections and consult your doctor if exposed.
- Inform healthcare professionals about hydroxyurea use before immunizations/vaccinations and avoid contact with those recently vaccinated with live vaccines.
- Use caution with sharp objects and avoid activities like contact sports to lower the risk of injury.
- Discuss the medication’s impact on sperm and the risks and benefits if planning to father a child.
- Pregnant individuals should not use hydroxyurea, as it may harm the unborn baby. Reliable forms of birth control should be discussed with the doctor during treatment and for a specified period after the last dose.
- Breastfeeding is not recommended while using hydroxyurea, as it passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
| Generic name: | Hydroxyurea, Hydroxyurea |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Capsule |
| Strength(s): | 500mg |
| Quantities Available: | 100 |
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