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Hydroxyurea (Hydrea)

Hydrea is one of the older chemotherapy drugs which has been around and in use for many years. Hydrea is a capsule and is given orally. It is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia

• Polycythemia

• Increased platelets

• Head and neck cancer

• Sickle cell disease

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Hydrea is normally given orally, daily for many days, until a response is achieved.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Hydrea. Following are some of the most common and important ill effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Hair loss (after prolonged use)

It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologists.