Generic Hydrea

Hydrea can be generically prescribed as hydroxyurea and is most commonly prescribed for treating melanoma, chronic myelocytic leukemia, cancer of the ovaries, and skin cancer of the head and neck. It can sunbsequently be used in the treatment of sickle cells anemia. Hydrea works by affecting the targeted cells throughout the human body.

Hydrea is not appropriate for every patient. A thorough medical evaluation should be clearly understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes liver disease, kidney disease, or poor bone marrow function are not likely to be able to tolerate Hydrea, or may require careful and continuous monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Hydrea.

The American Food and Drug Administration warns against prescribing this medication to women who are pregnant. As a category D pregnancy risk, Hydrea is likely to cause harm to a developing fetus. Likewise, this medication is not suitable for nursing mothers, as the medicine passes through the mother’s breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.

Broken or crushed tablets are extremely dangerous and should be carefully disposed of. Pets, children, exposed skin, eyes, and mucous membranes are especially susceptible to the effects of a broken tablet. Broken and crushed tablets should be discarded wearing protective surgical gloves. Some physicians recommend flushing them down the drain while others recommend sealing them in an airtight container and washing any affected surfaces thoroughly.

In the event of a missed dose, the patient should take the dose as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next regular dose. Patients should never take a double dose to make up for missed medication nor should they take their doses too closely together. Doing so may result in an overdose.

Because this medication is designed to alter cellular structure, an overdose, or an accidental dosing, can be particularly dangerous and unpredictable. Emergency medical attention is a must should an overdose or accidental dose occur. There are no guidelines illustrating the possible effects, as it depends on the cellular health of the individual. Anyone who handles this medication or the bottle should wear protective gloves and thoroughly wash their hands before and after contact with the medication and the bottle.

Side effects are common and are known to be generally mild. Patients experiencing common side effects are not in any danger, but should report all side effects to the prescribing physician. Symptoms such as itching, rashes, constipation, leg sores, facial redness, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and hair loss are considered quite common.

Other side effects can be quite severe. Severe side effects require emergency medical care. Allergic reactions (swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing,) nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, unusual weakness, easy bruising, excessive bleeding, white sores on the mouth or lips, diarrhea, pinpoint red spots along the skin’s surface, skin ulcers or darkened or discolored skin of the legs, and flu symptoms such as chills, fever, and body aches are all indicative of serious side effects.

This medication should never be prescribed without a complete medical history, Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new prescription or over the counter medicines, herbal remedies, or vitamin supplements.

Patients should not receive live vaccinations while taking Hydrea, and patients should be urged to avoid all people who carry any type of contagious disease, including the common cold or the flu.