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hydroxyurea - oral, Hydrea

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GENERIC NAME: HYDROXYUREA - ORAL (hi-DROX-ee-you-REE-uh)

BRAND NAME(S): Hydrea

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Along with its benefits, hydroxyurea treatment may cause severe, sometimes fatal side effects (see also Side Effects section). Your doctor will follow you closely while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.

Cancers have been reported with the use of this medication but it is not known if these cancers are due to the drug or the disease being treated. Consult your doctor for more details.

USES: This medication is used in people with sickle cell anemia to reduce the number of painful crises caused by the disease and to reduce the need for blood transfusions. It is also used to treat several types of cancer (such as melanoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, squamous cell carcinomas).OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to treat polycythemia vera and thrombocythemia.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking hydroxyurea and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Wash your hands after taking this medication.Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, laboratory test results, and response to treatment. Your treatment may be stopped for a short time if your blood counts are too low. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.Caregivers should wear disposable gloves when handling this medication or its container. If the powder inside the capsule spills, wipe it up with a wet paper towel and immediately dispose of the towel in a closed plastic bag. Make sure not to breathe the powder from the capsules. Wash hands after handling the medication.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.