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Hydrea ( hye-DROX-ee-yoo-REE-ah) belongs to the group of medicines called antimetabolites. It is used to treat some kinds of cancer and to prevent painful episodes associated with sickle cell anemia. Hydrea seems to interfere with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by Hydrea, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used. When used in sickle cell anemia, Hydrea appears to increase the flexibility of sickled cells. Before you begin treatment with Hydrea, you and your doctor should talk about the good Hydrea will do as well as the risks of using it. Hydrea is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Your doctor has ordered the drug Hydrea to help treat your illness. The drug in capsule form can be taken by mouth. Hydrea 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 Hydrea is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Hydrea 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, Hydrea 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. Brand names: - Droxia - Hydrea - Hydroxyurea |