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Hydroxyurea ( hye-DROKS-yur-EE-a ) (Hydrea®; Droxi®) What is this medication used for? Hydroxyurea increases the number of young red blood cells in the bone marrow, which encourages the production of more hemoglobin F (fetal hemoglobin).
What does it look like? • Capsule
What are the rare but serious side effects? • Skin ulcers • Secondary blood or skin cancers (with long-term use) Special instructions: • Regular blood tests should be performed to monitor blood counts and kidney and liver function. • Swallow capsules whole; do not crush, break, or chew them. • Give the drug at the same time of the day. • Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. • Consult your healthcare provider if there are signs or symptoms of infection or bleeding. • Consult your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant, fathering a child, or breastfeeding. It may be important to use birth control while taking this medicine and for several months after treatment is completed. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
• Tablet • Syrup How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) on an empty stomach What are the common side effects? • Nausea • Low blood counts What are the less common side effects?
• Skin rash • Diarrhea • Headaches, dizziness, or drowsiness
• Mouth sores • Weight gain • Abnormal liver function tests (specifically ALT, AST, bilirubin) • Kidney damage • Skin ulcers
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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