Product Information

Generic Name: Hydroxyurea Capsules 500 mg [hye-droks-ee-yoor-EE-a]
Drug Class: Antimetabolites

Uses

• Primary Uses:
  • Treatment of a type of leukemia.
  • Treatment of cancer of the head and neck.
• Other Uses:
  • May be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Warnings

• Bone Marrow Suppression: This medicine may lower the ability of your bone marrow to produce blood cells, leading to potentially severe and sometimes fatal bleeding or infections. Immediate medical attention is required if you experience signs of infection or unusual bruising/bleeding.
• Increased Cancer Risk: Long-term use of hydroxyurea may increase the risk of developing cancer, including leukemia and skin cancer. Regular check-ups are necessary.
• Sun Sensitivity: Avoid sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and protective clothing.

Before Taking

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have allergies to hydroxyurea or any other substances.
• Health Conditions: Do not use if you have anemia (other than sickle cell anemia), bone marrow problems, or leg ulcers.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid using with Didanosine or Stavudine.
• Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

Important Precautions

• Infection Risk: Increased susceptibility to infections; practice good hygiene and avoid sick individuals.
• Bleeding Risk: Use caution to prevent injury, and avoid activities that could cause bruising or bleeding.
• Laboratory Tests: This medicine may affect certain lab results; inform all healthcare providers that you are taking hydroxyurea.
• Radiation Therapy: Consult your doctor if you are receiving radiation therapy, as side effects may be exacerbated.
• Pregnancy: Hydroxyurea may harm an unborn baby. Women must use effective birth control during treatment and for a period after the last dose. Men should also use birth control to prevent pregnancy in their partners.

How to Take

• Dosage: Take as prescribed, at the same time daily.
• Administration: Can be taken with or without food, with a full glass of water.
• Handling: Wear gloves when handling the capsules. Do not chew, open, or crush the capsules.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Hair loss, upset stomach, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, headache, mouth sores, weight gain.
• Serious Side Effects: Allergic reactions, changes in skin appearance, lung problems, skin ulcers, and more. Seek immediate medical attention if serious side effects occur.

Note: Report any side effects to the FDA.

Overdose

• Action: In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a Poison Control center immediately.

Storage and Disposal

• Storage: Store at room temperature in a dry place, with the lid tightly closed.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired medication safely. Do not flush or pour down a drain unless instructed. Check for local drug take-back programs.

Additional Information

• Always consult your healthcare provider with any concerns or questions.
• Do not share this medication with others, and do not use someone else’s medication.
• For further information, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Note: 

The brand name displayed above is specific to this product. Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer.