Product Details: Hydrea (Hydroxyurea)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antineoplastic used to treat certain types of cancer. It may also be used to treat sickle cell anemia and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. If you have difficulty swallowing, empty the contents of the capsule into a glass of water and drink immediately. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. IF NAUSEA, VOMITING, OR LOSS OF APPETITE OCCURS, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are being treated with this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE LOWERS YOUR RESISTANCE to infection. To prevent infection, avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, drowsiness, redness of the face, or hair loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual bruising or bleeding, sores on the mouth or lips, painful urination, lower back or abdominal pain, blood in the urine, persistent cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, or sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Hydroxyurea