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Hydroxycarbamide

  • Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.
  • You will need regular weekly blood tests whilst taking hydroxycarbamide- it is very important that you keep these appointments.
  • You will need to use contraception during treatment since hydroxycarbamide can harm an unborn baby
  • To reduce the chance of getting an infection, try to avoid people with infections and check with your doctor if you think you are getting an infection or fever (high temperature).
  • If you notice any unexpected bleeding or bruising contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

About hydroxycarbamide

Type of medicine Antineoplastic drug
Used for Cancer of the cervix
Some types of leukaemia (cancer of the blood)
Also called Hydrea
Hydroxyurea
Available as Capsules

Hydroxycarbamide works by stopping abnormal cells from growing and multiplying.

Before taking hydroxycarbamide

Before taking hydroxycarbamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have any problems relating to your blood.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from porphyria.

How to take hydroxycarbamide

  • The dose will vary depending on what you are being treated for.
  • Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
  • If you are unable to swallow the capsules, empty the contents into a glass of water and take immediately.
  • The contents of the capsule must not be inhaled or allowed to come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Spillages must be wiped away immediately.
  • Drink plenty of water.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You will need regular weekly blood tests whilst taking hydroxycarbamide- it is very important that you keep these appointments.
  • Blood tests are important as a way of monitoring your blood cells during treatment, your kidney and liver function, and levels of uric acid in your blood.
  • You will need to use contraception during treatment since hydroxycarbamide can harm an unborn baby.

Can hydroxycarbamide cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Decrease in the number of white blood cells, platelets or red blood cells in the blood To reduce the chance of getting an infection, try to avoid people with infections and check with your doctor if you think you are getting an infection or fever (high temperature).
If you notice any unexpected bleeding or bruising contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.
Inflammation of the lining of the mouth (stomatitis) Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day.
Drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

How to store hydroxycarbamide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3795		 DocRef:
dils3805		 Last Updated:
29 Jun 2007		 Date of Next Review:
28 Jun 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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