Uses of Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®, Droxia®)

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1. What is Hydroxyurea?

Hydroxyurea exerts antitumor effects by blocking DNA synthesis in cells by significantly reducing thymine (a nucleotide that is one of the building blocks of DNA). A lack of functional DNA will prevent cancer cells from reproducing, leading to cell death. In this way, hydroxyurea slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the patient's body.

2.Uses of the drug Hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, ovarian cancer, and certain types of skin cancer (squamous cell cancer of the head and neck).
In addition, Hydroxyurea is also used in people with sickle cell anemia and some other conditions depending on the treatment purpose of the doctor.

3. Dosage - How to use the drug hydroxyurea

Dosage and duration of drug use depends on the condition and type of cancer.
Hydroxyurea: capsule form includes the following strengths: 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg
Depending on the level / location as well as each different disease, there will be a change in drug dosage use. Some recommended dosages for specific diseases are as follows:
Solid tumor
Treatment with intermittent therapy: 80 mg/kg orally every 3 days, or; Continuous treatment: 20-30 mg/kg orally once/day Sickle cell disease
Start with a single dose, 15 mg/kg/day; During treatment, the patient needs to be monitored for blood counts every 2 weeks.
How to use: Hydroxyurea is taken orally in the form of capsules, usually taken once daily at the same time of day, patients can take before or after meals. When taking, swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, do not open the hydroxyurea capsule or crush or chew the tablet. Do not use the broken tablet. Be sure to take the correct dose as prescribed. If you overdose, contact your doctor immediately.

4. Side effects when taking hydroxyurea drugs

Immediately notify the doctor / go to the nearest medical facility for timely treatment when there are signs of an allergic reaction: rash; shortness of breath; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat Tell your doctor right away if you have the following signs: Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in your hands or feet; numbness or purple veins; skin sores or open sores; sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath that may be frequent/infrequent; Low blood cell count (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets): causes fever, chills, fatigue, mouth sores, bruising, or subcutaneous/mucosal hemorrhages , unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed; or Symptoms/signs of liver or pancreatic disease such as: loss of appetite, right upper/lower abdomen pain (may radiate to the back), nausea or vomiting, tachycardia, urine changes color (dark), yellow skin/mucosa, yellow sclera. Hydroxyurea can affect an unborn baby. Use of this medicine by either person (parent) can cause birth defects. Therefore, while using the drug both men and women should use birth control to prevent pregnancy. For women, continue to use birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of hydroxyurea.
For men, keep using the remedy for at least 1 year after your last dose (6 months if you've taken Hydroxyurea before).
If you are breastfeeding, your doctor will help you choose the best option for you and your baby.

5. Precautions when using hydroxyurea

During use, it is necessary to supplement with folic acid to prevent side effects of the drug - increased red blood cells (macrocytosis). Therefore, you should give your doctor all the medications, vitamins and supplements you are taking. Hydroxyurea has been linked to the development of skin cancer, which may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, patients need to have methods of prevention and safety when exposed to the outside environment. Avoid the sun between 10 and 2 pm. Apply sunscreen daily; wear sunglasses, a hat and long sleeves/pants to protect your skin, and move to shade/cover at all times, especially when it's sunny. Do not get a "live attenuated" vaccine while you are using hydroxyurea, or you could develop a serious infection. These include herpes zoster (Zostavax) to prevent shingles, oral polio, measles, flu vaccine (FluMist®), rotavirus vaccine, and yellow fever. You should avoid close contact with people who are sick or have an infection. If you have any signs of an infection, tell your doctor right away. Do not handle/contact directly with hydroxyurea medicine or vial without gloves or protective gear.. Above is some information about the uses of Hydroxyurea medicine, if you have any questions, please consult us. consult directly with a qualified doctor/physician or pharmacist.
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References: oncolink.org, drugs.com, rxlist.com