Hydroxyurea Tablets
| Product/Composition:- | Hydroxyurea Tablets |
|---|---|
| Strength:- | 500mg |
| Form:- | Tablets |
| Production Capacity | 10 Million Tablets/Month |
| Packaging:- | 1 X 10 Tablets / Box |
| Therapeutic use:- | Anti Cancer |
| Package Insert/Leaflet: | Available upon request |
What are Hydroxyurea Tablets?
Hydroxyurea tablets is an oral antimetabolite. It is a chemotherapy drug. It treats blood disorders and some cancers. DNA synthesis requires the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which it inhibits. Hydroxyurea tablets halts the replication of quickly dividing cells. It stops the cell cycle in the S-phase, which lowers abnormal cell growth.
It is most effective for disorders with too many or abnormal blood cells. These cover sickle cell disease, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia. Hydroxyurea tablets treats head and neck cancers and cervical cancer, usually with radiation therapy. Hydroxyurea uniquely raises fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in sickle cell disease.
It reduces red blood cell sickling, preventing vaso-occlusive crises and hemolysis. Its ability to suppress the immune system and bone marrow means doctors must adjust doses. They must also do blood tests to avoid toxicity and bone marrow problems. Hydroxyurea tablets is a key drug in hematology and oncology. It improves outcomes in many blood diseases and cancers.
Why is this Medication Prescribed?
Hydroxyurea tablets is prescribed for the following conditions:
Uses of Hydroxyurea Tablets
Hematological Disorders:- Chronic myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera, sickle cell disease, and essential thrombocythemia.
Oncology:- Cancers of the head and neck and the cervix.
Radiation Sensitization:- Improves radiotherapy’s efficacy in treating cancer.
Benefits of Hydroxyurea
Raise the fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level in order to lessen the risk of sickle cell problems. It reduces the number of blood cells in myeloproliferative diseases, which in turn lowers the risk of blood clots.
The effectiveness of radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer is improved.
It lessens the occurrence of sickle cell crises, which in turn enhances the quality of life. A reduction in inflammation and vascular damage characterizes blood problems.
How Does Hydroxyurea Tablets Work?
Hydroxyurea tablets works by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). RNR synthesizes DNA. It inhibits RNR. This depletes deoxyribonucleotide pools. It arrests the cell cycle in the S-phase and reduces the proliferation of rapidly dividing cells.
It does this by boosting fetal hemoglobin (HbF). HbF protects red blood cells from sickling. It reduces the risk of vaso-occlusive crises and hemolysis in sickle cell disease.
Direction for Use
Do exactly what the doctor tells you to do. For best results, take the pills at the same time every day. Don’t break or chew the tablet; swallow it whole with water. Blood tests must be done on a daily basis to check how you are reacting and for any side effects.
How to Take Hydroxyurea
Administered with or without food, as per the physician’s recommendation. Consume enough amount of water to avert dehydration and poisoning. Utilize gloves when manipulating the tablet to prevent dermal exposure. Use gloves and a mask when handling fractured tablets. The substance may be hazardous.
When Not to Use Hydroxyurea
Drug Interactions
Safety Advice
Regularly monitor blood counts to avert severe cytopenia. Avoid contact with those who have infections related to immunosuppression. Utilize contraception throughout the treatment to avert pregnancy-related hazards. Avoid concurrent consumption with alcohol, as it may exacerbate side effects. Monitor for indications of secondary malignancies, including dermal lesions or unexplained ecchymosis.
Warnings & Precautions
Bone Marrow Suppression may result in anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.
Secondary Cancers: Prolonged usage is associated with a heightened risk of leukemia and skin carcinoma.
Liver and Renal Impairment: Keep a close watch on liver enzymes and kidney health.
Gastrointestinal Toxicity: Potentially induces nausea, vomiting, and ulcers.
Cutaneous Reactions: May result in hyperpigmentation, ulcers, or dermatitis.
General Instructions
For safety and efficacy, use hydroxyurea tablets as prescribed by a doctor. Every day, with or without food and a full glass of water, it is taken.  To avoid the medication’s powerful effects, consume the pills whole, not crushed, chewed, or split. Patients should have regular blood tests. Hydroxyurea can suppress bone marrow and affect other functions.
The tests should check blood cell counts and liver and kidney function. Caregivers should wear gloves when giving tablets. The medicine might be absorbed through the skin. Hydrate well when taking hydroxyurea to avoid renal strain and high uric acid. Hydroxyurea tablets can harm fetuses. Thus, pregnant women and those intending to get pregnant should avoid it.
Also, avoid live vaccines, too much sun, and harmful drug interactions. Take missing doses as soon as remembered, but avoid double dosing. Regular medical follow-ups are vital. They allow for dosage adjustments based on response and tolerability.
Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
Patients taking hydroxyurea tablets should eat a nutritious diet. It should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. This will strengthen their immune system and help them produce blood cells. Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial to avert renal problems.
Restrict alcohol and processed meals, as they may exacerbate toxicity and inflammation. Individuals with sickle cell disease may derive advantages from sufficient folic acid consumption. Moderate exercise, like walking or yoga, helps circulation.
But, avoid vigorous exercise if tired. Employ sun protection, as hydroxyurea tablets heightens susceptibility to sunlight. Please refrain from smoking, as it exacerbates vascular issues. Routine medical exams and blood tests are vital. They monitor side effects and adjust dosages as needed.
Comparison with Other Treatments
Hydroxyurea tablets lowers the need for blood transfusions in sickle cell patients. It does this by raising baby hemoglobin levels.
A bone marrow transplant may be able to cure some blood diseases, but hydroxyurea is a non-invasive treatment that lasts a person’s whole life.
Hydroxyurea tablets has fewer side effects than most chemotherapy drugs, but it still needs to be checked regularly.
Newer tailored therapies offer better results and fewer side effects. However, hydroxyurea tablets remains a cheap and accessible option.
Hydroxyurea tablets is often used with radiation to treat cancer because it makes the radiation work better while lowering the doses.
Conclusion
Hydroxyurea is an essential drug in both hematology and oncology. It is very beneficial for sickle cell disease, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytopenia, and cancer treatment. It is often the first treatment for many diseases because it can raise fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and stop abnormal blood cell growth. But it’s important to keep a close eye on them because they could hurt the bone marrow, cause other cancers, or damage organs.