Hydroxyurea

Is the active ingredient in the medication.

Treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in chronic phase.

Treatment of sickle cell anemia to reduce the frequency of painful crises.

Treatment of essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV).

Treatment of myelofibrosis (MF) with or without polycythemia.

Hydroxyurea Capsules Ip 500mg (Hydroxyurea) is a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor. It works by reducing the production of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is essential for cell growth and division. This slows the growth of cancer cells and decreases the production of red blood cells in sickle cell anemia.

Store hydroxyurea at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush unused medication down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.

The dosage of hydroxyurea is determined by your doctor and depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Hydroxyurea is typically taken by mouth, once a day.

It is important to take hydroxyurea exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dosage or stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.

You may need to have regular blood tests to monitor your response to treatment and check for any side effects.

The most common side effects of hydroxyurea include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Headache

Fatigue

Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)

Low red blood cell count (anemia)

Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

Skin rash

Hair loss (alopecia)

Alcohol Consumption

It's generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking hydroxyurea. Discuss with your doctor for specific recommendations.



While Driving or Operating Machinery

Hydroxyurea can cause fatigue and dizziness. Be cautious while driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.



Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women

Hydroxyurea is a teratogen, which means it can cause birth defects. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor about safe options for birth control while taking hydroxyurea. It is also not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication.



Children

Hydroxyurea is not typically used in children. Discuss the safety and effectiveness with your doctor before using it.



Kidney

Hydroxyurea can be harmful to your kidneys. If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking hydroxyurea.



Liver

Hydroxyurea can also affect your liver. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medication.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): https://www.fda.gov/

American Society of Hematology (ASH): https://www.hematology.org/