Sign inBefore 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.
- Store hydroxycarbamide capsules in the original container. This is to protect the capsules from moisture.
Important information about all medicines
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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.