Uses of Hydroxyurea

Hydroxyurea is used to treat resistant chronic myeloid leukaemia and locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (excluding the lip) and cervical cancer.

Therapeutic Category

Hydroxyurea: Antimetabolites

How Hydroxyurea works

Hydroxyurea gets converted to free radical nitroxide (NO), which enters the cells, inactivates the ribonucleotide reductase enzyme and causes immediate inhibition of DNA synthesis, leading to cell death.

Common side effects of Hydroxyurea

• Blood disorders (decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets)
• Low back pain
• Black tarry or blood in stools
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Skin changes (dermatomyositis) a scaly, purple, raised rash on the face, hands or other parts of the body with redness, darkening of the skin, peeling of the skin and worsening of redness or skin and mucous membrane discomfort in patients with a history of radiation
• Muscle weakness - symptoms such as muscle tenderness, muscle weakness or tiredness when climbing stairs, walking or rising from a chair etc
• Sores on the lips or mouth
• Difficulty or pain passing urine
• Azoospermia or oligospermia (absence or decreased amount of sperm in the semen)
• Anorexia, weakness, decreased energy
• Sickness, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain
• Hair loss
• Kidney problems
• Unexplained shortness of breath or cough with fever
• Numbness or tingling of hands or feet
• Skin cancer
• Problems with the flow of the bile (cholestasis) causing itchiness, yellowish discolouration of skin or whites of eye, very dark urine, pale stools
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), which causes flu-like symptoms, including tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, pain, nausea, vomiting, pressure or pain below the right ribs and might also include yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Drowsiness, dizziness, fits, confusion or hallucinations
• Headache

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Allergic reaction such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat causing difficulty breathing
• Unexplained fever, chills, sore throat or cough
• Wasting of muscles
• Peeling of the skin and nails

Health Tips for Hydroxyurea

• Always take hydroxyurea exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow the dosing schedule and do not skip the dose
• Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and adjust the medication as needed
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoid taking alcohol and caffiene, since it may reduce the risk of side effects
• Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are using to check for potential drug interactions
• Hydroxyurea is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women