Last updated on August 22, 2024
The active ingredient in Hydrea is hydroxycarbamide, a drug belonging to the group of anticancer drugs.
The drug is intended for the treatment of:
- chronic myeloid leukemia (a chronic form of malignant blood cancer that affects the bone marrow);
- some other tumors (along with radiation therapy):
- cervical cancer;
- squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (malignant skin cancer).
Hydrea should not be used:
- if you are allergic to hydroxyurea or any of the excipients of this medicine;
- if there are too few white blood cells (less than 2.5 ´ 109/l) or platelets (less than 100 ´ 109/l), or severe anaemia;
- along with didanosine and stavudine.
Composition, active ingredients and use
The active substance is hydroxycarbamide. One capsule contains 500 mg of it.
Excipients:
Capsule content: lactose monohydrate, anhydrous disodium phosphate, anhydrous citric acid, magnesium stearate. Capsule shell: iron oxide yellow (E172), indigo carmine (E132), titanium dioxide (E171), erythrosine (E127) and gelatin.
How to use Hydrea
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine can be used for continuous or intermittent treatment.
The doctor will select the necessary dose taking into account your body weight, kidney function and disease. This medicine is usually taken once a day. Adequate fluids (water, juice) should be taken while taking Hydrea. This medicine should be used until your doctor tells you to stop taking it. If you think that the effect of Hydrea is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking Hydrea:
- if you have recently received high-volume radiation therapy or are taking other cytotoxic drugs;
if kidney function is impaired; - simultaneous use of drugs against HIV infection (didanosine and stavudine);
- women of childbearing potential should use an effective method of contraception during and for at least 6 months after treatment with Hydrea. Sexually active men should use an effective method of contraception while taking Hydrea and for at least 3 months after stopping treatment.
Hydrea suppresses the function of the bone marrow, so the number of blood cells in the blood may decrease: leukocytes (increases the risk of infectious diseases, fever may occur), platelets (manifested by punctate small bruises on the skin, bleeding from the mucous membranes), erythrocytes (manifested by signs of anemia: general weakness, pale skin , lack of air). If the above symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Cases of hemolytic anemia have been reported in patients taking Hydrea for myeloproliferative disorders. If the anemia persists, you will be prescribed laboratory tests to assess for hemolysis.
During treatment with Hydrea, the level of uric acid in the blood may increase, so it is important to drink enough fluids.
Vaccination with live viral vaccines should be avoided during treatment with Hydrea.
There have been reports of skin cancer in patients with long-term use of hydroxyurea. During and after treatment with hydroxyurea, you must protect your skin from the sun and check yourself regularly. Your doctor will also examine your skin during regular check-ups.
Storage. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store at a temperature not higher than 25°C / 77°F. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
RRP: 100 capsules – $49.97
