Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) Capsule

Hydrea Capsule is used in the treatment of some kinds of cancer and to prevent painful episodes associated with sickle cell anemia. It may be also used to treat some other conditions. It is sometimes used with certain other medicines as part of combination chemotherapy.

Hydrea Capsule can be taken with or without food, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include hematological disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, eating disorders, and weight loss. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells in your blood thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with kidney, liver and heart function during treatment with this medicine.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have bleeding, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

Uses Of Hydrea Capsule

• Head and neck cancer
• Sickle cell anemia

Benefits Of Hydrea Capsule

In Head And Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer includes cancer of the mouth, nose, sinuses or throat. Hydrea Capsule kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a disorder of the red blood cells (RBCs) in which they lose their original round shape and flexibility, turn sickle shape and eventually die out. Hydrea Capsule makes your red blood cells bigger. It helps them stay rounder and more flexible and makes them less likely to turn into a sickle shape. The medicine does this by increasing a special kind of hemoglobin called hemoglobin F. Hemoglobin F is also called fetal hemoglobin because newborn babies have it. This helps to treat this disease and also prevents further complications that may be life-threatening.

Side Effects Of Hydrea Capsule

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.

Common Side Effects Of Hydrea

• Hematological disorder
• Gastrointestinal disorder
• Eating disorder
• Loss of appetite

How To Use Hydrea Capsule

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Hydrea Capsule may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Hydrea Capsule Works

In cancer, Hydrea Capsule works by blocking an enzyme (ribonucleotide reductase) which is required for synthesis of DNA. This prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying. In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing fetal haemoglobin (HbF) levels in red blood cells (RBCs). This helps the RBCs assume a normal shape, improves blood flow and protects against complications such as painful sickle cell episodes.