Hydrea for Cell disease, Cancer - Drug Information

Generic Name - Hydroxyurea

Category - Anti-Neoplastic

Indications

Cell disease, Cancer
Hydrea is indicated to treat sickle cell disease or certain types of cancer. Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) is used for treating cancers of the blood, skin, ovary and head and neck. This medicine seems to interfere with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.

Hydrea Contraindications and Drug Interactions

Hydrea is contraindicated in patients, who are hypersensitive to this drug, medications that belong to this class of drugs or had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Hydrea should not be taken by patients who have a history of the following ailment conditions.

Bleeding problems
Blood disorders
Dental disease
Having intramuscular injections
Infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)
Kidney disease

There are a number of medications that interact with Hydrea. It is important to take the doctor's counsel if you are taking any of the following.

Didanosine, ddI
Medicines that affect your blood such as cilostazol or warfarin
Other chemotherapy agents may increase the side effects seen with hydroxyurea
Stavudine, d4T
Vaccine

Hydrea Dosage

The following information just highlights the general average dosage of Hydrea,
The usual recommended dosage of Hydrea for Sickle Cell Anemia is 15 mg once daily. Base dosage is on the smaller of ideal or actual body weight. Increase in dose should be gradual to the maximum tolerated dose or to 35 mg/kg/day.

Hydrea Adverse Effects

Some of the most serious Hydrea side Effects include low blood counts - hydroxyurea may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine, signs of decreased platelets or bleeding and pinpoint red spots on the skin, black.

This is not a complete list of all Side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Hydrea.

Hydrea and Pregnancy

Studies indicate Hydrea if used during pregnancy is likely to cause birth defects. Also, some cancer medicines may cause sterility. Hence Hydrea should not be used without consulting your doctor.

Hydrea and Breastfeeding

Hydrea passes into human breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or if you intend to breast-feed during treatment with this medicine. Because it may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding is not recommended while you are taking it.

Hydrea and Pediatric

The safety and effectiveness of Hydrea in pediatric patients have not been established.

Hydrea and Geriatric

The safety and effectiveness of Hydrea in geriatric patients have not been established.

Note

The above information about Hydrea serves as an information resource only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the counsel of your doctor, physician or pharmacist before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing therapy.