Description

Hydroxyurea is an antimetabolite medication used to treat certain types of cancer, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, and sickle cell disease.

Prescription

• Prescription-only medicine (POM)

Dosage

•  Initial dose: 20-30mg/kg orally every 12 hours
•  Maintenance dose: 10-20mg/kg orally every 12 hours
•  Maximum dose: 1000mg orally every 12 hours

Therapeutic Category

• Antimetabolite, Antineoplastic

Active Ingredients/Composition

•  Hydroxyurea 500mg per tablet
•  Other ingredients: Lactose, Magnesium stearate, Microcrystalline cellulose

Variant

•  Hydroxyurea 100mg
•  Hydroxyurea 1000mg
• Hydroxyurea 200mg

Consume Type

• Oral tablet

Directions/Usage

•  Take the tablet orally with water.
•  Take as directed by a healthcare professional.

Common Side Effects

•  Bone marrow suppression
•  Anemia
•  Neutropenia
•  Thrombocytopenia
•  Nausea
•  Vomiting
•  Diarrhea

Package Type

• Bottle or blister pack containing 100 or 500 tablets

Storage Advice

•  Store at room temperature (15-30°C/59-86°F).
•  Protect from light and heat sources.
•  Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice

•  Use as directed by a healthcare professional.
•  Monitor blood counts, liver function, and kidney function regularly.
•  Be aware of signs of overdose, such as seizures, coma, and bone marrow suppression.

Product Substitutes

•  Other antimetabolites (e.g., mercaptopurine, thioguanine)
•  Other antineoplastic medications (e.g., cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin)

Manufacturer/Marketer

•  Novartis

Country of Origin

• USA