Hydroxyurea / Hydroxycarbamide

Hydroxyurea is known to cause harm to the unborn baby. But cancer is a life-threatening condition which may harm the mother if not treated. Hence a careful decision has to be taken by the patient and the doctor.

Hydroxyurea is secreted in breast milk. But as cancer is a severe condition for which you cannot delay the treatment, it depends on the status of the patient and the doctor’s judgment whether to discontinue nursing or breastfeeding.

Hydroxyurea has the potential to cause drowsiness. Hence, caution is advised and you should drive only in the absence of any such symptoms that can affect the patient’s physical or mental ability.

Alcohol does not interact directly with Hydroxyurea. Mild or occasional drinking may be permitted. But it must be remembered that alcohol delays healing and the process of recovery.

Long term treatment with Hydroxyurea may increase chances of secondary blood cancers or skin cancersYou are advised to follow preventive measures such as avoiding direct contact with sun or light. Use protective clothing and sunscreen lotions during and for some time after completion of treatmentMake sure your doctor examines your skin while on routine visitsIf therapy with radiation is also planned, Hydroxyurea should be started a week beforeThe period to determine whether Hydroxyurea is working on your cancer or not is six weeks. Treatment is continued usually only if there is some responseRegular blood tests, especially to monitor blood cell counts are necessaryReport any side effects such as stomach pain, discomfort, vomiting, irritation, rashes and ulcers of lining of skin or mouth to the doctor promptlyTreatment may have to be discontinued if the symptoms are severe

Hydroxyurea is not the primary treatment for this type of white blood cell cancerA battery of diagnostic tests (some of them are complicated) are needed to determine the exact cause of this cancer and to determine what type of treatment needs to be givenThis whole process will take timeIn such cases, Hydroxyurea is provided to control the multiplication of the white blood cellsCancer means uncontrollable multiplication of cells. This medicine works well to bring the cell counts under control and is usually safeOnce the cause of cancer has been determined, it can be decided what type of new medicines need to be added, or if radiation treatment is required or if Hydroxyurea can be discontinuedHydroxyurea alone does not cure cancer, but it is a good supportive medicine to achieve the cure