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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Hydroxyurea may cause severe, life-threatening side effects, including certain cancers. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using hydroxyurea for your condition. |
Your doctor has ordered the drug hydroxyurea to help treat your illness. The drug in capsule form can be taken by mouth.
This medication is used to treat:
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Hydroxyurea is in a class of drugs known as urea derivatives; it slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. In sickle cell anemia, hydroxyurea decreases the episodes of painful crisis by decreasing the sickling of red blood cells. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Hydroxyurea also is used to treat polycythemia vera, psoriasis, hypereosinophilic syndrome, lung cancer, and a variety of other cancers. In addition, hydroxyurea has been used along with anti-infective and surgical therapy to treat chronic urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Before taking hydroxyurea,
Side effects from hydroxyurea are common and include:
Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or lasts for several hours:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Keep hydroxyurea in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |