Brand Names:
Generic Names:
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Hydroxyurea is a drug used to treat some kinds of cancer. It is a capsule
that is given by mouth.
EARLY SIDE EFFECTS: Hydroxyurea rarely causes nausea and vomiting, but you
may lose your appetite while you are taking it. If this occurs, ask your
dietitian-nutritionist, nurse or physician for recommendations to help
you increase your food intake.
DELAYED SIDE EFFECTS: White blood cells (that fight infection) and
platelets (that help your blood to clot) may be decreased approximately
10 days after you start treatment with hydroxyurea. This is a normal and
expected response to chemotherapy and blood counts will return to normal
over time. Regular blood tests are done to monitor your blood counts.
Some patients develop a skin reaction of some type. For example, if you
have ever received radiation treatment, redness of the skin may develop
at the same site. Increased colour or darkening of the skin may occur
over some areas of the body such as the hands and elbows. Rash may also
occur. All these reactions will disappear once treatment with hydroxyurea
has finished.
SPECIAL FEATURES: If you are unable to swallow the capsule(s) whole, empty
the contents of the capsule(s) into a glass of water, stir and take
immediately. Some inert material in the capsule will not dissolve, and
may float on the surface. This should be swallowed. Try to keep the
powder from coming into contact with your skin. Other medications may
interact with hydroxyurea. Do not start taking new medications without
first checking with your physician or pharmacist. For minor pain, use
acetaminophen (Tylenol). Do not take ASA (Aspirin) or ibuprofen (Advil).
Inform new physicians or dentists that you are taking hydroxyurea before
you receive any treatment from them. It is best to use birth control
while being treated with hydroxyurea. Do not breast-feed during
treatment. It is important to take hydroxyurea exactly as ordered by your
physician. Make sure you understand the directions. Store hydroxyurea
capsules at room temperature, out of the reach of children.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:
- Signs or symptoms of an infection such as fever (over 100F or 38C),
cold symptoms, cough, pain or swelling of any areas of the body,
ulceration or abscess (pus) forming anywhere on the body.
- Easy bleeding or bruising.
- Shortness of breath.
Notify your physician as soon as possible (during office hours)
if you have:
- Signs of kidney problems such as lower back pain, side pain, or
swelling of your feet or lower legs.
- Signs of gout such as joint pain.
- Leg ulcers or other changes in your skin.
Notify your physician if the following continue or bother you:
- Uncontrolled nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Drowsiness, headaches, dizziness.
Store this medication in its original labelled container at room
temperature, out of the reach of children.
