Hydrea
Name Drug
Hydrea (Hydroxyurea)
Uses of the Drug
Hydrea is basically used to treat cancer of ovary, skin cancer, or chronic myelocytic leukemia, which has spread, is recurrent, or can’t be cured with surgery. It can even be used in combination with radiation for controlling skin cancers occurring in the neck and head. Doctors can also use this drug for some other medical conditions.
How to Take
Hydrea should be taken as per the doctor’s recommendations.
- Hydrea can be taken orally with food or even without food.
- The hands should be washed both after and before using Hydrea or its bottle. Wear gloves when you use Hydrea or the bottle it is kept in. you should abide by your physician’s advice to dispose the gloves once you have finished using the gloves.
- If you cannot swallow the medicine, the ingredients of capsule should be emptied and put in water and then drink it immediately. You should carefully empty the capsule ingredients in water. The powder should not touch your mucous membranes or skin. Moreover, you should also not inhale capsule’s powder while opening it. if you spill the power by mistake, wipe it off with a wet towel and dispose those empty capsules.
- You should drink more fluids while using Hydrea. Consult your doctor to get his advice.
- If the expiry date of the capsules is over, do not take it any more. You can even take help of the pharmacist or doctor to know the method of disposing the expired medicine.
Consult your doctor in case you have any query about the usage of Hydrea.
Drug Mechanism and Class
Hydrea is considered to be an antineoplastic agent. This drug functions by obstructing essential steps for the reproduction and cancerous cell growth, and thus leads to cell death.
Missed Dose
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.
Storage
Hydrea should be stored at the room temperature somewhere between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Keep it away from light, heat and moisture. Don’t store it in bathroom. The medicine should be kept away from pets and children.
Warnings Precautions
Hydrea should NOT be taken if:
- you are prone to allergies to a single ingredient present Hydrea
- You are having low counts of white blood cell, extreme bone marrow depression, severe anemia or low levels of blood platelet.
You should get in touch with the doctor very soon if you notice any of the above-mentioned problems.
Important:
- Before you go for any dental or medical treatments, surgery, or emergency care, you should inform your dentist or doctor that you take Hydrea.
- Hydrea might reduce the ability of the body to fight against infection. It also helps in preventing infection by staying away from people suffering from some infections or cold. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of infection, such as sore throat, fever, chills, or rash.
- Hydrea might decrease the amount of platelets (clot-forming cells) in the blood. If you want to stay away from bleeding, avoid those situations where injury or bruising may occur. Report any case of bruising, unusual bleeding, blood in the stools, or tarry, dark stools to the doctor.
- You should stay away from vaccinations occurring with the ???live virus vaccines’ (e.g., mumps, measles, oral polio) when you take Hydrea. Vaccinations might not be that effective.
- Lab tests, such as complete platelet and blood cell counts, might be done for monitoring your development or for checking the occurrence of side effects. Make sure of keeping all lab and doctor appointments.
- The elderly people should use Hydrea very carefully because they can have some side effects.
- Children are not recommended to use Hydrea. Effectiveness and Safety are still not confirmed.
- Breast-feeding and Pregnancy: Hydrea can cause harmful effects to your fetus. If you conceive, consult with your medical professional about the risks and benefits of taking this drug during pregnancy. Hydrea is secreted through the breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding should be strictly avoided when you are taking Hydrea.
Common Side Effects
Check whether you have any of the side effects as mentioned below and in that case consult your doctor as soon as possible:
* Drowsiness; constipation; hair loss; lack of appetite; inflammation of mouth; redness of face; nausea.
You should consult your doctor immediately in case you have the serious side effects as mentioned below:
* Serious allergic reactions (hives; rash; itching; tightness in chest; difficulty in breathing; swelling of face, lips, mouth, or tongue); lightheadedness or dizziness; blood disorders; low amount of white or red blood cells; chills; blood in urine; fever; diarrhea; liver toxicity; inflammation of pancreas abdominal; or lower back pain; persistent cough; painful urination; shortness of breath; secondary leukemia; skin lesions; or sores skin cancer; sores on lips or mouth; sore throat; vomiting; unusual bleeding or bruising.
More Information
You should consult your pharmacist in case of any query. This medicine should be exclusively used by only the patient. Do not share Hydrea with some other people. In case the symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.