What is hydroxyurea used for?
Hydroxyurea is used to treat cancer of the white blood cells called chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It may also be given together with radiation treatment for head and neck cancer (advanced squamous cell cancer). Hydroxyurea interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body.
How is hydroxyurea supplied?
HYDREA® (hydroxyurea capsules, USP) is supplied as 500 mg capsules in HDPE bottles with a plastic safety screw cap. Each bottle contains 100 capsules. The cap is opaque green and the body is opaque pink. The capsules are imprinted on both sections with “HYDREA” and “830” in black ink (NDC 0003-0830-50).
How much does hydroxyurea cost per month?
Average 12 Month Prices for Hydrea (Brand) & Hydroxyurea (Generic)
| Pharmacy | Hydrea Retail Price | Hydroxyurea Retail Price |
|---|---|---|
| Walgreens | $110.60 | $82.20 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | – | $60.00 |
| Albertsons Pharmacy | – | $78.60 |
| Rite Aid Pharmacy | – | $78.75 |
What is the cost of the drug hydroxyurea?
HYDROXYUREA is a chemotherapy drug. This medicine is used to treat certain types of leukemias and head and neck cancer. It is also used to control the painful crises of sickle cell anemia. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of hydroxyurea is around $11.12, 79% off the average retail price of $54.76.
Is hydroxyurea taken for life?
Hydroxyurea oral capsule is used for long-term treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your cancer cells may divide more rapidly or your sickle cells may change back to their sickle shape.
How long can you stay on hydroxyurea?
But, you should try the hydroxyurea for at least six months before stopping It.
What is the best time to take hydrea?
Hydroxyurea is usually taken once per day at the same time of day, with or without food. Swallow the pill whole with a glass of water. Wash your hands before and after you handle this medicine or the bottle that contains the pills.
Can I touch hydroxyurea?
Hydroxyurea capsules and tablets should be handled with care. People who are not taking this medicine should avoid touching it. To decrease your chance of touching the medicine: Wear disposable gloves when handling the bottle or medicine.
How long can you take hydroxyurea?
Is hydroxyurea covered by Medicare?
Do Medicare prescription drug plans cover hydroxyurea? Yes. 100% of Medicare prescription drug plans cover this drug.
How long does it take to get hydroxyurea out of your system?
Recovery: within 7-10 days of stopping therapy (reversal of white blood count occurs rapidly, but the platelet count may take 7-10 days to recover).
How many years can you take hydroxyurea?
Is it safe to take hydroxyurea for many years? Yes. Many people with sickle cell disease have taken hydroxyurea safely for over 20 years. Even young children can take it.
What are hydhydroxyurea capsules used to treat?
Hydroxyurea Capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of: Resistant chronic myeloid leukemia. Locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (excluding the lip) in combination with chemoradiation.
What is the classification of hydroxyurea?
Hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea is an antineoplastic agent that inhibits DNA synthesis through the inhibition of ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase. Hydroxyurea is an Antimetabolite. The chemical classification of hydroxyurea is Urea. Hydroxyurea is a monohydroxyl-substituted urea (hydroxycarbamate) antimetabolite.
What are the possible side effects of hydroxyurea?
Maculopapular rash, skin ulceration, dermatomyositis-like skin changes, and peripheral and facial edema have been reported in patients receiving hydroxyurea. Mild, reversible, dermatologic reactions such as maculopapular rash, facial erythema, and pruritus may occur in some patients.
What is the half-time of hydroxyurea?
The half-time of hydroxyurea is short, with an initial half-time of 0.63 hr after intravenous administration and 1.78 hr after oral administration and a terminal half-time of 3.32 hr after oral administration and 3.39 hr after intravenous administration /to humans/.