What is hydroxyurea?
Hydroxyurea affects certain cells in the body, such as cancer cells or sickled red blood cells.
Hydroxyurea is used to treat chronic myelocytic leukemia, ovarian cancer, and certain types of skin cancer (melanoma and primary squamous cell cancer of the head and neck).
Hydroxyurea is also used to reduce pain episodes and the need for blood transfusions in people with sickle cell anemia. Hydroxyurea will not cure sickle cell anemia.
Hydroxyurea may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about hydroxyurea?
Do not use hydroxyurea if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
You should not use hydroxyurea if you are allergic to it, or if you have severe bone marrow suppression, severe anemia, or low levels of platelets in your blood.
Before using hydroxyurea, tell your doctor if you have bone marrow suppression, HIV or AIDS, liver or kidney disease, or if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
Wash your hands before and after you handle a hydroxyurea capsule or the bottle that contains the pills. For best protection, wear disposable gloves when handling the pills.
Do not open the hydroxyurea capsule. Do not use a pill that has been accidentally opened or broken. The medicine from an open capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water.
If any powder from an open capsule is spilled, wipe it up at once with a damp paper towel and throw the towel away in a sealed plastic bag where children and pets cannot get to it.
Hydroxyurea can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding injury. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydroxyurea?
You should not use hydroxyurea if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
To make sure you can safely take hydroxyurea, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
Using hydroxyurea may increase your risk of developing other types cancer or leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use hydroxyurea if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
This medication may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.
Hydroxyurea can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking hydroxyurea.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.