Hydrea (Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide))

Hydrea
Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide)

Source:
Hydrea
Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide)

Source:
Generic Equivalents   What's the difference?
Hydroxyurea
Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide)

Source:

Hydrea® is a drug used to treat a variety of serious conditions, including cancer and blood disorders. It is specifically designed to help people with these medical conditions manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

Why Choose Hydrea (Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide))?

  • Effective Blood Disorder Management: Proven efficacy in treating sickle cell anemia symptoms, minimizing the frequency of painful crises, and reducing the need for blood transfusions.
  • Cancer Treatment: Used as part of chemotherapy to treat certain forms of cancer, such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and melanoma, by suppressing the proliferation of tumor cells.
  • Oral Administration: Comes in capsule form, making it easy for patients to use as part of their home treatment program.

How to Use Hydrea (Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide))?

  • Consult your doctor: Your dosage will be adjusted to your exact sickness, weight, and response to the drug. You must follow your healthcare provider’s directions properly.
  • Oral Administration: Hydrea is administered orally in capsule form. Take the drug orally, as advised by your doctor, typically once a day. You can consume it with or without food.
  • Handling: If the capsule is broken or crushed, do not inhale the powder or let it come into contact with your skin or mucous membranes. If contact occurs, properly wash the area with soap and water, and rinse your eyes with water if necessary.
  • Consistency: Try to take the medication at the same time every day to keep the drug levels stable in your body.
  • Monitoring: You should contact your healthcare practitioner regularly to check on your progress and modify the dosage as needed. Blood tests will be performed to check the health of your blood cells, kidneys, and liver.

Important Safety Information about Hydrea

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Hydrea can harm an unborn child. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this drug and for some time following treatment. Both men and women using this medicine should use contraception. It is unclear whether Hydrea goes into breast milk; ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
  • Infection Risk: Because Hydrea reduces blood cell numbers, your capacity to fight infections may suffer. Avoid contact with persons who have infections, and report any signs of infection to your doctor every once.
  • Contraindications: Not recommended for patients who have severe bone marrow suppression, uncontrolled infections, or are allergic to hydroxyurea or any of Hydrea®’s inactive components.

Fact Table for Hydrea

Facts Details
Generic Name Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide)
Brand Name(s) Hydrea, Droxia, Siklos (among others)
Drug Class Antimetabolite, Antineoplastic agent
FDA Approval Yes (approval dates vary by indication)
Indications – Certain types of leukemia (chronic myeloid leukemia)  – Sickle cell anemia  – Solid tumors (off-label for some types)  – Psoriasis (off-label)
Dosage Forms Capsule; Oral
Common Dosage Dosages vary based on condition:  – Sickle cell disease: 15-35 mg/kg/day  – CML: 1.5-2.5 g/day  (Consult healthcare provider for specific dosages)
Administration Oral
Side Effects – Nausea and vomiting  – Bone marrow suppression  – Diarrhea  – Drowsiness  – Hair loss  – Increased risk of infection
Precautions – Regular monitoring of blood counts  – Use with caution in patients with renal or liver impairment  – Pregnancy (may be contraindicated)  – Risk of secondary malignancies
Interactions – Live vaccines  – Antiretroviral drugs  – Other chemotherapeutic agents  – Drugs affecting liver enzymes that metabolize Hydroxyurea
Mechanism of Action Inhibits DNA synthesis by blocking the ribonucleotide reductase enzyme, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells.
Special Considerations – Requires frequent monitoring of blood counts and kidney/liver function  – Hydration is important to prevent crystalluria  – Handling precautions for caregivers and healthcare professionals to avoid exposure to the drug
Patient Counseling Information – Importance of adhering to monitoring schedules  – Managing side effects and when to report them  – Safe handling and storage of medication  – Contraception advice due to potential teratogenic effects

 

Common Side Effects of Hydrea

Like all medications, Hydrea (Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide)) can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Understanding these side effects can help you use this medication safely and effectively.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mouth sores

If you experience any of these side effects or others, make sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can offer advice and may adjust your treatment if necessary. Report any severe or unexpected side effects immediately.

How Can You Buy Hydrea (Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide))?

You can order Hydrea (Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide)) using these methods on our website:

  1. Order Online
  2. Order by Phone
  3. Order by Fax
  4. Order your refills

Visit our How to order page.

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Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS is a practicing clinical pharmacist that works in primary care. He supports other members of the healthcare team including physicians, mid-level providers, nurses, and other clinical staff. He also likes to use his drug knowledge to inform his patients and the public about the benefits and risks they can expect from their medications. His clinical specialties include: anticoagulation, diabetes management, and psychiatric care.
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