Hydrea

Generic name: Hydroxyurea - Oral

Hydrea is used to treat certain types of cancer (melanoma, chronic myelocytic leukemia, cancer of the ovary, and primary skin cancer of the head and neck) or sickled red blood cells. Active ingredient of this drug is hydroxyurea. The exact mechanism of its action is unknown, it is supposed that it is cell cycle specific for the S phase of cell division, it interfere with synthesis of DNA, with no effect on synthesis of RNA or protein.

Dosage and Directions
Take this potent medication exactly as prescribed. Drink plenty of water during treatment to assist your kidney to remove the drug from the blood and diminish side effects. The medicine may be taken with or without food. You may be advised by your doctor to poor the content of Hydrea capsule into a glass of water, if so mix it throughly and drink whole immediately. Do not touch or inhale the drug powder from the capsule. Even if such symptoms as nausea or vomiting appear, do not stop taking this medication. Contact your doctor if you are immediately vomiting after the dose. This drug may increase the risk of sickness and inflammation due to its effect on amount of blood cells which control immunity.

Precautions
Before to take Hydrea consult your doctor if you are being treated with radiation therapy or are currently on interferon (Actimmune, Betaseron, Roferon, Intron, Infergen, Alferon, Rebetron, Rebif). Notify your doctor about diseases you have and especially about poor bone marrow function, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Contraindications
Do not take Hydrea if you are allergic to the components of the drug. This medicine is contraindicated in the patients with bone marrow depression (leukopenia or thrombocytopenia). This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Hydrea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side Effect
Besides signs of allergic reaction such as facial swelling, skin rash and eruptions, hives, and pinpoint red spots on your skin Hydrea may cause skin ulcers, red patches, or darkened skin, symptoms of fever, flu, chills, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, body aches, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness.