Drug Uses

Hydrea is an antineoplastic agent that is used for the treatment of certain types of cancer (cancer of the ovary, or chronic myelocytic leukemia that has spread and does not respond to other forms of treatment). It is also used to treat skin cancers of the head and neck (when used in combination with other medicines).

How it is taken

Hydrea must be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Ensure that you use a glove while handling the medicine or the package it came in. If you handle the medicine or the container without a glove then wash your hands before and after you handle it.

Drink extra fluids when you are taking hydrea.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Hydrea then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Overdose

Some of the typical symptoms of a Hydrea overdose are dark discoloration of the skin, mouth sores, soreness, swelling of palms and soles of the feet followed by scaling of the skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
 

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have kidney problems, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have severe bone marrow depression, low white blood cell counts, low blood platelet levels, or severe anaemia.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Hydrea and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Hydrea is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Hydrea should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Hydrea before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Periodic lab tests including complete blood cell and platelet counts may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Hydrea may lower your immune system. So avoid contact with people who have cold or other infections.

Hydrea is also known to reduce blood clotting by decreasing the amount of platelets in the blood. So avoid situations in which injury or bruising may occur. If you notice any unusual bleeding including bleeding in stools, dark or tarry stools, then contact your doctor immediately.

Avoid taking vaccinations with live viruses (mumps, oral polio etc).
 

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are Constipation, drowsiness, hair loss, and inflammation of the mouth, loss of appetite, nausea, and redness of the face.

Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blood disorders, including low numbers of red or white blood cells, blood in the urine, chills, diarrhea, fever, inflammation of the pancreas, liver toxicity, lower back or abdominal pain, painful urination, persistent cough, secondary leukemia, shortness of breath, skin cancer, skin sores or lesions, sore throat, sores on the mouth or lips, unusual bruising or bleeding, vomiting.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.