Created: 2006-10-13 13:07:23.0
Modified: 2010-08-25 13:04:48.0
Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.
• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have irritation of the mucous membranes (for example, lining of the mouth, throat, nostrils, stomach, intestines), talk with healthcare provider.
• If you ever have had any radiation therapy, talk with healthcare provider.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Talk with healthcare provider before receiving any vaccinations. Use with this medicine may either increase the risk of serious infection or make the vaccination less effective.
• If you have HIV and are taking didanosine and/or stavudine, talk with healthcare provider.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
• Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Not hungry.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
• Diarrhea.
• Mouth irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.
• Swelling.
• Skin changes (acne, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).
• Muscle weakness.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
• Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
• Seizures.
• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
• Severe belly pain.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Severe constipation.
• Mouth sores.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Feeling extremely tired or weak.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
• Hydroxyurea may cause changes in cells and may increase the risk of cancer when used to treat blood disorders. It can also cause serious side effects. Talk with healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits.
• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
• If you have an allergy to hydroxyurea or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you have any of the following conditions: Anemia or bone marrow disease.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding.
• Hydroxyurea injures cancer cells causing their death.
• It decreases blood cell counts.
• It reduces painful crisis and the number of blood transfusions.
• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
• A liquid can be prepared if you cannot swallow capsules.
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• This medicine is used to treat blood disorders.
• This medicine is used to treat a variety of cancers.
• This medicine is used to treat sickle cell anemia.
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Proper handling and disposal of this medicine is important. If powder from capsule is spilled, wipe up with damp, disposable towel immediately, and discard the towel in a closed container, such as a plastic bag. Wash hands thoroughly.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
