Hydroxyurea

Possible side effects from Hydroxyurea and their management are listed below. Always inform the doctor if you experience any side effects, so that the necessary monitoring may be conducted. Seek immediate medical attention if side effects are serious and urgent for e.g. severe skin reactions such as skin ulcers or allergic reactions such as itchy rash, blistered, peeling skin, swelling in face/ lips/ tongue/ throat, tightness in chest or throat and/ or trouble breathing.

​Side effects	​Management ​
​Low white blood cell count. White blood cells protect the body by fighting bacteria (germs) that cause infection. When the number of white blood cells is low, your child will be more susceptible to infections and may become very ill from these infections.	​To help prevent infection: Wash hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Avoid crowded places and avoid contact with people who are sick. Do not eat raw or undercooked food.	​Seek medical help immediately if your child experiences any of the following: Fever (temperature of 38˚C twice or ≥38.5˚C once). Bleeding in stools or urine. Any uncontrollable or persistent bleeding or bruising. ​
​Low platelet counts. Platelets are important for blood clotting. With low platelets, your child may bruise or bleed (eg. gums or nose) more easily than usual.	​Be safety conscious. Brush teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
​Raised uric acid levels in blood. This may occur when Hydroxyurea is first started. High uric acid in the blood may affect the kidney.	​Drink plenty of fluids (at least 8 glasses per day). Seek medical help immediately if you or your child experiences signs of gout such as warmth, pain, swelling and extreme tenderness in joints. ​
​Hair loss may rarely occur.	​Use gentle shampoo and soft hairbrush. Wear a cap to protect the scalp especially when going out.

Do not use this medicine if your child is allergic to Hydroxyurea.

Before starting Hydroxyurea, do inform your doctor of any other medical conditions (eg. kidney diseases) or other medications (especially anti-HIV medications) that you or your child is already on. Do not take any other medications, herbal products or vaccinations without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Hydroxyurea is available in capsule form.

Hydroxyurea is usually taken once a day, preferably at the same time each day. Your doctor may change the dosage of Hydroxyurea depending on blood tests results. Always follow the doctor’s instructions strictly. Do not stop taking Hydroxyurea unless you are told to do so by your doctor. Do not take more or less than required unless instructed.

Take Hydroxyurea with food or on an empty stomach. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush or chew the capsules. Please inform your pharmacist or doctor if your child is unable to swallow capsules.

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearer to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Do not repeat dose if vomiting occurs after dose is administered, wait until the next scheduled dose. Contact the pharmacist or doctor if your child repeatedly missed doses due to vomiting, even with the administration of anti-vomiting medicine.

​Take precautions to avoid cytotoxic exposure: wear gloves and mask when handling the capsules. Please refer to Patient’s Information Leaflet on “Safe Handling of Oral Cytotoxic Medications” for details.

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#Store at room temperature;#