Hydrea (Hydroxyurea)

Hydrea is used for treating skin cancer, cancer of the ovary, or chronic myelocytic leukemia that is recurrent, has spread, or cannot be helped with surgery. It may also be used with radiation to control skin cancers of the head and neck. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Hydrea as directed by your doctor.

• Hydrea may be taken with or without food.
• Wash your hands before and after handling Hydrea or the bottle it comes in. Wear gloves while you are handling Hydrea or its bottle. Follow your doctor's instructions for disposing of the gloves after you remove them.
• If you have difficulty swallowing, empty the contents of the capsule into a glass of water and drink immediately. Use care when emptying the capsule into water. Do not allow the powder to come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes and do not inhale the powder when opening the capsules. If the powder is spilled, it should be immediately wiped up with a damp towel and disposed of, as should the empty capsules.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Hydrea is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions;
• Do not use Hydrea if the expiration date has passed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly dispose of expired medicine.

Hydrea is an antineoplastic agent. It works by preventing necessary steps for cancer cell growth and reproduction, resulting in cell death.

If you miss a dose of Hydrea, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Hydrea at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Hydrea out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Hydrea if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Hydrea;
• you have severe bone marrow depression, low white blood cell counts, low blood platelet levels, or severe anemia.

• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Hydrea.
• Hydrea may lower your body's ability to fight infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Hydrea may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
• Avoid vaccinations with live virus vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, oral polio) while you are taking Hydrea . Vaccinations may be less effective.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell and platelet counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Hydrea with caution in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Hydrea is not recommended for use in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Hydrea has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Hydrea during pregnancy. Hydrea is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Hydrea.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; drowsiness; hair loss; inflammation of the mouth; loss of appetite; nausea; redness of the face.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood disorders, including low numbers of red or white blood cells; blood in the urine; chills; diarrhea; fever; inflammation of the pancreas; liver toxicity; lower back or abdominal pain; painful urination; persistent cough; secondary leukemia; shortness of breath; skin cancer; skin sores or lesions; sore throat; sores on the mouth or lips; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting.

Hydrea is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.