Hydroxyurea (Systemic)

Brand Names : Hydrea, Droxia

Category

• Antineoplastic
• Antianemic

Description

Hydroxyurea (hye-DROX-ee-yoo-REE-ah)belongs to the group of medicines called antimetabolites. It is used to treat some kinds of cancer and to prevent painful episodes associated with sickle cell anemia.

Hydroxyurea seems to interfere with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by hydroxyurea, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.

When used in sickle cell anemia, hydroxyurea appears to increase the flexibility of sickled cells.

Before you begin treatment with hydroxyurea, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.

Hydroxyurea is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
• Capsules (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Hydrea
• Droxia

In Canada -

• Hydrea