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Hydroxycarbamide

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Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.
You will need regular 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.
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) Painful conditions associated with sickle cell syndrome (a blood disorder)
Also called	Hydrea® Siklos® Hydroxycarbamide was previously known as hydroxyurea
Available as	Capsules (Hydrea®) Tablets (Siklos®)

Hydroxycarbamide works in cancers by stopping abnormal cells from growing and multiplying.

In sickle cell syndrome, hydroxycarbamide works by reducing the damage to red blood cells which in turn reduces the pain of problems caused by this damage.

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 have leg ulcers.
If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take hydroxycarbamide

The dose will vary depending on what you are being treated for. If you are taking hydroxycarbamide as a treatment for cancer you will have been given the capsules, and if for sickle cell syndrome you will have been given the tablets.
Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
If you have been given capsules and you are unable to swallow them, empty the contents of the capsule 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. If you spill any of the contents, wipe the spill away carefully straight away.
If you have been given tablets, take your dose on a morning with a glass of water.

Getting the most from your treatment

You will need regular 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.
While you are taking hydroxycarbamide do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Hydroxycarbamide lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from some vaccines.

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.
Skin reactions or 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.
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer or speak to your doctor.
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 and sight 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.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Hydrea® Capsules 500mg, E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised December 2005, accessed April 2009.
British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 3795

DocRef: dils3805

Last Reviewed: 18 May 2009

Version: 23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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