Hydroxyurea - hye-DROX-ee-yoo-REE-ahbelongs to the group of medication called antimetabolites. It is using to treat some kinds of cancer and to prevent painful episodes associated with sickle cell anemia.
Hydroxyurea seems to interfere with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be effected by hydroxyurea, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your family doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the drug is using.
When using in sickle cell anemia, hydroxyurea appears to increase the flexibility of sickled cells.
Before you begin treat with hydroxyurea, you and your family doctor must talk about the good this drug will do as well as the chance of using it.
Hydroxyurea is available only with your family doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada