💊 DESCRIPTION
Hydroxyurea is an oral antineoplastic (anticancer) and cytotoxic medication primarily used to treat certain types of cancers and blood disorders.
- Form: Capsule
- Strength: 500 mg
- Route: Oral
- Indications:
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
- Head and neck cancers
- Sickle Cell Disease (to reduce frequency of pain crises)
- Polycythemia vera
- Essential thrombocythemia
- Off-label: Psoriasis, HIV-related conditions
✅ ADVANTAGES
- Oral administration – convenient, no need for IV
- Effective in reducing white/red blood cell overproduction
- In sickle cell disease, increases fetal hemoglobin (HbF), reducing sickling and crises
- Can delay or reduce the need for blood transfusions
- Improves quality of life in chronic blood disorders
🌿 NATURE
- Pharmacologic Class: Antimetabolite
- Mechanism of Action:
- Inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, halting DNA synthesis and causing cell death in rapidly dividing cells
- In sickle cell disease, stimulates production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which reduces red cell sickling
- Cell cycle-specific: Acts mainly in the S-phase
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
- Bone marrow suppression: Regular CBC monitoring needed (risk of leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)
- Renal/hepatic impairment: Use cautiously; adjust dose if needed
- Teratogenicity: Avoid in pregnancy; effective contraception is required for both sexes
- Secondary malignancies: Long-term use may increase risk (e.g., leukemia)
- Skin ulcers: May occur, particularly on legs
- Monitor for signs of toxicity: Mouth sores, bleeding, fever, or signs of infection
- Alcohol and sun exposure: Should be minimized to reduce skin reactions
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
- Keep away from moisture and light
- Store in original container, tightly closed
- Keep out of reach of children
- Handle with care (cytotoxic agent): Wash hands after handling
👨⚕️ PATIENT ADVICE
- Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily
- Swallow whole, do not crush or open capsules
- Stay hydrated to help kidneys excrete byproducts
- Use effective contraception during and after treatment
- Avoid infections – report fever, sore throat, or signs of illness promptly
- Routine lab tests will be needed to monitor blood counts and organ function
- Do not double dose if one is missed; take it as soon as remembered, or skip if near the next dose
- Use sunscreen/protection against sun exposure
📦 PACKAGING
- Primary Packaging:
- Capsules in a blister pack or HDPE bottle
- Clearly labeled with dosage (500 mg), batch number, expiry, and storage instructions
- Secondary Packaging:
- Outer carton with patient information leaflet included
- Usually color-coded for strength differentiation (e.g., red or white)