Generic Hydrea

Chemical Name: HYDROXYUREA

Common uses

This medicine is an antineoplastic used to treat certain types of cancer. It may also be used to treat sickle cell anemia and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. If you have difficulty swallowing, empty the contents of the capsule into a glass of water and drink immediately. Drinking extra fluids while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. If nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite occurs, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light.

Cautions

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are being treated with this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine lowers your resistance to infection. To prevent infection, avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells needed for clotting. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. Check with your doctor before having immunizations (vaccinations) while you are using this medicine.

This medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, drowsiness, redness of the face, or hair loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual bruising or bleeding, sores on the mouth or lips, painful urination, lower back or abdominal pain, blood in the urine, persistent cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, or sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include facial swelling, hallucinations, and confusion.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.