Drug Notes

Hydroxyurea (By mouth)

Hydroxyurea (hye-drox-ee-ure-EE-a)

Treats cancer. Also treats sickle cell anemia by decreasing the number of crises and the need for blood transfusions.

Brand Name(s):

Droxia, Hydrea

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Do not touch this medicine with bare hands.
  • Wear disposable gloves when you handle the capsules or medicine bottles.
  • Wash your hands before and after you handle the capsules or bottles.
  • If powder from the capsule gets into your eyes, rinse them with water or an isotonic eyewash for 15 minutes.
  • Do not open the capsule. If powder from the capsule spills out, wipe it up immediately with a damp disposable towel. Place the towel in a plastic bag and throw it away. Wash the area thoroughly with detergent 3 times.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Interferon
  • Cancer medicines and radiation treatment
  • HIV/AIDS medicine (including didanosine or stavudine)
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. Avoid live vaccines while using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
  • Women: Use birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after treatment ends.
  • Men: Use birth control during treatment and for at least 1 year after treatment ends.
• Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bone marrow problems, or HIV infection.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of leukemia or skin cancer. Protect your skin from sunlight
  • Severe skin ulcers
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Skin sores or ulcers, red or purple bumps
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017