Hydroxyurea
Hydroxyurea is in a class of drugs known as urea derivatives; it slows or stops the
growth of cancer cells in your body. In sickle cell anemia, hydroxyurea decreases the
episodes of painful crisis by decreasing the sickling of red blood cells. The length of
treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to
them, and the type of cancer you have
Hydroxyurea is used to treat
- melanoma
- chronic myelocytic leukemia
- ovarian cancer
- primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (excluding the lip)
- chronic myelogenous leukemia
- sickle cell anemia polycythemia vera
- psoriasis
- ypereosinophilic syndrome
- lung cancer
- a variety of other cancers
Side effects of Hydroxyurea
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. This effect is
usually mild. The numbers of blood cells in your blood can begin to reduce from about
seven days after the treatment has been given and usually reach their lowest point at
10-14 days after the chemotherapy. The numbers of blood cells will then increase steadily
and will have usually returned to normal within 21-28 days.
The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy
you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your
doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be lowered by the
chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is
working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Raised levels of uric acid in the blood. A drug called allopurinol may be given to stop
this happening. It may also help to drink plenty of fluids. While you are taking
hydroxyurea your uric acid levels will be checked regularly by blood tests.
Less common side effects of Hydroxyurea
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. This is very unusual, but if it
occurs there are now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce it.
If you do feel sick it may begin after the treatment is given. If the sickness is not
controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs
that may be more effective.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you
may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea.
Hair loss. It is very unusual to lose your hair. Some people notice
that their hair becomes a little thinner, but not usually enough to be noticeable to other
people.
Skin changes. Hydroxyurea can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your
doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this. Areas of skin which have previously been
treated with radiotherapy may become red and sore. Let your doctor know if this happens.
Your face may also redden.
A high temperature and chills may occur from soon after the drug is
given, but they do not usually last long. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce
this side effect. |