What is Hydroxyurea Capsule?
Hydroxyurea capsules are used for treating resistant chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), a cancer of white blood cells. This type of cancer causes painful crises, and the patient requires blood transfusions to manage sickle cell anaemia. Hence, this medicine helps reduce the frequency of painful crises while decreasing the need for blood transfusions, too.
Uses of Hydroxyurea Capsule
- Primarily used to treat white blood cell cancer, particularly resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
- It can be prescribed alone or in combination with other cancer medications.
- Often used as part of a radiation therapy regimen for managing various forms of CML.
- It may be recommended for treating head and neck cancers.
- Sometimes advised for patients with polycythaemia vera, a condition where the body produces an abnormally high number of red blood cells.
What does hydroxyurea do for polycythaemia vera?
Polycythaemia vera is a medical condition characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells by the body. This leads to thickening of the blood and increases the risk of clotting, further increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Hydroxyurea helps in reducing the abnormal production of red blood cells while lowering their count effectively and preventing the risk of associated complications.
How should I take hydroxyurea?
Follow the physician’s instructions for taking Hydroxyurea dosage & avail optimal benefits.
This medicine is typically consumed once daily and at the same time regularly throughout the treatment schedule. Your doctor shall make required adjustments to the treatment plan, as and when necessary. Stick to the same to avoid side effects.
Generally, one Hydroxyurea capsule is swallowed per dosage with a glass of water. It is best to take this cancer medicine with a meal to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. You may, however, choose to take it without food too, as per your convenience.
Dosage Instructions
- Remember not to break the capsule and swallow the powder separately because it can be harmful to your eyes, skin, or membranes when it comes in direct contact.
- In case you miss using any dose, take it right when you remember, but not if the next dosage is about to be consumed. Doubling the dosage can cause severe side effects.
- Drink a lot of fluids, such as water or fruit juices, to help your body process the drug easily and minimize the risk of kidney disorders.
- Avoid overdosing or misusing this medication; otherwise, non-favourable circumstances shall arise.
How does hydroxyurea work?
The mechanism of action of hydroxyurea mainly controls the abnormally rapid production of immature white blood cells (WBC). The individual diagnosed with CML undergoes uncontrollable growth of WBC because of the Philadelphia chromosome, which is responsible for excessive cell division. This medicine thus works by blocking the ribonucleotide reductase enzyme utilized for DNA synthesis by rapidly dividing cells.
It slows down DNA synthesis, which prevents rapid division of cancerous cells and brings the WBC count to normal levels. Consequently, the associated health risks like fatigue, infection & organ strain are reduced too. In addition, it alleviates symptoms like bone pain and spleen enlargement, too.
Please find that hydroxyurea is highly effective in managing the underlying symptoms of resistant CML when used during the initial phases. It is not a cure, though. More targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are required for full effectiveness.
Side effects of Hydroxyurea
Hydroxyurea may cause both short-term and long-term side effects. Many of the mild effects improve as the body adjusts to the medicine. However, some serious or persistent side effects require prompt medical attention. Always consult a healthcare provider if any symptom becomes severe or unusual.
Common Short-Term Side Effects
These effects are usually temporary and manageable:
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Mild skin rash or skin darkening
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Mouth sores (stomatitis)
Common Long-Term or Serious Side Effects
These may require immediate medical help:
- Severe anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- High fever or signs of infection
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe skin reactions
- Ulcers on legs or skin
- Liver enzyme abnormalities
- Rarely, there is a risk of secondary cancers (with long-term use)
Allergic Reactions
Stop taking the medicine and seek medical help if you notice:
- Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
- Severe rash or hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Intense itching
Contraindications and Precautions
- This CML treatment is not suitable for patients allergic to Hydroxyurea. Make sure to have checked all the contents on the product label before attempting purchase.
- Never use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss such medical conditions with the healthcare provider before initiating dosages.
- Talk to your doctor if you have any critical health issues pre-existing – heart, kidney or liver damage, diabetes, blood pressure, glaucoma, etc.
- Patients with blood disorders need to practice extra caution while ongoing treatment with this drug.
- The healthcare provider could suggest regular monitoring of blood count with some tests at frequent intervals. Do it accordingly to ensure desired health improvements.
- Don’t drink alcohol throughout your treatment with this cancer medicine.
- Drop your idea of altering the dosage (in case you ever think about it) and follow the treatment plan instead to ensure safe treatment.
- Avoid discontinuing this medicine suddenly, else the underlying symptoms shall worsen.
Conclusion
Hydroxyurea is a trusted medicine for treating white blood cell cancer, medically termed as chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). It combats the underlying symptoms effectively and stops the abnormally rapid growth of white blood cells, thus slowing down the progression of cancer. This medicine works as expected whether prescribed alone, in combination with other cancer medicines, or as a part of radiation therapy.
Meanwhile, your choice of licensed pharmacy to buy Hydroxyurea online makes a noteworthy impact. Make sure you order yours from authorized sources like arrowmeds.com only.
FAQs
Which foods should you avoid when taking hydroxyurea?
Stick to a balanced and nutritious diet while taking Hydroxyurea capsules. Avoid alcohol and any foods that elevate gastrointestinal discomfort.
What happens if you stop taking hydroxyurea?
When stopped abruptly, the risk of rebound in blood disorders occurs. For instance, abnormally high white blood cells are produced among CML patients, and uncontrollable growth of red blood cells among polycythaemia vera patients. It is thus advised not to stop using this medicine without being advised by the physician.
How long can you take hydroxyurea?
It is mostly a part of long-term treatment plans for white blood cell cancer or sickle cell anaemia. The doctor shall determine the treatment duration according to the severity of symptoms, response to the drug & further treatments required.
What happens if you touch hydroxyurea?
Touching the Hydroxyurea capsule content (powder within the capsule) can be harmful to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. If you accidentally touch it, wash your hands with soap and water right away.
How much does hydroxyurea cost per month?
In the USA, Hydroxyurea costs start at $20 for a pack of 30 capsules when you order from arrowmeds.com. The prices can differ as per the location, brand & pack size.
How does Hydroxyurea increase HBF?
Hydroxyurea increases HBF among patients with sickle cell disease. It does so for helping in reducing red blood cell sickling, which further reduces pain crises & associated complications.
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