Hydrea

Before taking this medicine

Do not take Hydrea if you have previously had an allergic reaction to hydroxyurea or any other ingredient in the capsules. Treatment must not be started if bone marrow function is severely reduced. Hydrea can severely reduce blood cell production. Blood counts must be checked before and during treatment. Extra caution is needed after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Other serious risks include anemia caused by the breakdown of red blood cells, skin ulcers or gangrene linked to blood vessel inflammation, and lung disease that can be fatal. Tell your prescriber promptly about yellowing of the skin or eyes, blood in the urine, skin ulcers, fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Hydrea can harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months afterward. Men who could father a child should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 year afterward. Do not breastfeed during treatment. Avoid live vaccines during treatment because they may cause severe infection. Taking Hydrea with certain HIV medicines, including didanosine and stavudine, has been associated with inflammation of the pancreas, liver damage and nerve damage. Tell your prescriber if you use these medicines or have received interferon or radiotherapy. Hydroxyurea can cause cancer. Secondary leukemia and skin cancer have been reported with long-term treatment. Protect yourself from sun exposure and attend monitoring for new cancers. Hydrea may enlarge red blood cells and mask pernicious anemia; the label recommends preventive folic acid. Older adults need particular care, including kidney function monitoring. Hydrea can falsely raise some laboratory test results and readings from certain continuous glucose monitors. Incorrectly high glucose readings could lead to excessive insulin use and low blood sugar. If you use a continuous glucose monitor, discuss alternative monitoring methods with the clinician managing it.