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Hydroxycarbamide
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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
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| © EMIS 2007 | DocID: 3795 |
DocRef: dils3805 |
Last Updated: 29 Jun 2007 |
Date of Next Review: 28 Jun 2009 |
Version: 22 |
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