Experience | Leaflets | Patient+ | News | Products | Other
Hydroxycarbamide
Post your experience
|
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
|
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).
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.
Patient UK Hearing Impairment Survey
Patient UK are grateful to the 550 people who took part in this survey.
To see the results click here.
If you'd like to leave your feedback, please go to our interactive forum.
Related pages in Patient UK
Your Experience (^ top of page)
Please add your experience about this condition / medicineHealth Topic information leaflets related to this topic (^ top of page)
ChemotherapyPatientPlus articles related to this topic (^ top of page)
Hydroxycarbamide (Hydroxyurea)Patient UK Newspaper (^ top of page)
Latest Health News
View current health newsRelated Products (^ top of page)
NHS Approved Pharmacy - for online prescriptions

Medical equipment
Pill/Tablet Equipment
Books

Other - Useful resources (^ top of page)
Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
UK Guidelines
Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites
Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control over the content of any external links above. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
Want to advertise on this site? Find out how >>
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document
Note: this will open in a new window
Note: this will open in a new window
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document
Note: this will open in a new window
Note: this will open in a new window




