Generic name: Hydroxyurea
Brand names: Droxia
Droxia Information
Droxia is known as an anti-cancer. It slows the growth of cancer cells. Droxia is prescribed to treat chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), melanoma (a type of skin cancer), cancer of the ovary, and primary squamous cell (skin) cancer of the head and neck.
Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.
Don’t stop treatment with Droxia earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Always contact a medic before giving Droxia to a child. Don’t use it if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
What should I report to my medical practitioners before I take Droxia?
Your physician needs to be familiar with you having any of these cases:
- an unusual or allergic reaction to Droxia, other dyes, foods, preservatives or medicines
- immune system problems
- infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
- kidney disease
- low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
- allergy to hydroxyurea, other chemotherapy, other medicines, dyes, foods or preservatives
- pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to get pregnant
- you are being treated with radiation therapy or using interferon (Intron, Roferon, Actimmune, Rebetron, Rebif, Betaseron, Alferon, Infergen)
How do I take this medicine?
Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Do not share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s prescription. Do not take more or longer than your doctor recommended.
Droxia should be taken orally with some water, with or without food. Take the doses on the rigid schedule. Never take the drug more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking unless given advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Overdosage:
Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.
If you forget about a dose:
In case you forgot to take the dose, take it at your earliest opportunity. Never double your dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Take only one dose at once.
What may this medicament interact with:
- interferon
- didanosine
- other chemotherapy agents
- stavudine
- tenofovir
- vaccines
This list of interactions may be not complete. Give your medical practitioners entire list of dietary supplements, herbs, non-prescription drugs or medicaments you take. Moreover tell them if you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items can interact with your drug.
Side Effects:
Report to your doctor if you experience the following:
- diarrhea, vomiting, nausea
- easy bruising or bleeding
- red patches, skin ulcers, or darkened skin (especially on your legs or feet)
- unusual weakness
- allergy like swelling of the tongue, face or lips, itching or hives, difficulty breathing, skin rash
- loss of appetite
- pinpoint red spots on your skin
- flu symptoms, fever, chills, body aches,
- white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
Side effects which usually don’t need medical awareness (report to your medic if they continue or are annoying):
- leg sores
- constipation
- redness of the face
- headache, drowsiness, dizziness
- hair loss
- itching, skin rash
The list of reactions may be not complete.
What do I have to know when I use this medication?
Don’t get a “live” vaccine during treatment with Droxia.
Check your physician regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Use condoms during treatment with Droxia.
Be careful with sharp objects and avoid activities in order not to be cut, bruised or injured.
Do not crush the pill! Wash your hands before and after handling the pills or the bottle. It is better to wear protective gloves whenever handling the bottle or the pills.
Droxia suppresses the immune system. That is why your blood will be tested regularly.
Your liver or kidney function may also be tested.
Visit your doctor regularly.
Where should I store this medication?
Keep away from children Keep at mild temperature. Keep your medicine container tightly closed and protect from moisture. Get rid of any unused medicine when the expiration date has passed.
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