Hydrea - Hydroxyurea

What is it?

Composition

Hydrea contains one active substance - hydroxyurea, which provides its antitumor effect. Hydroxyurea belongs to the class of antimetabolites and affects the process of cell division, which makes it effective in the fight against various types of cancer.

In addition to the active component, Hydrea capsules contain excipients that improve the absorption of the drug and its stability. This includes:

• Magnesium stearate - used as a lubricant to prevent components from sticking together.
• Silicon dioxide - acts as an anti-caking agent, ensuring uniform distribution of the drug.
• Gelatin - is part of the capsule and serves to create a shell that dissolves in the stomach.

This composition ensures not only effectiveness, but also safety when using the drug.

How to use?

Hydrea should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor, as the dosage and treatment regimen depend on the type and severity of the disease, as well as on the individual characteristics of the patient. Usually, the drug is taken orally in the form of capsules, which are washed down with a sufficient amount of water.

Directions for use may include the following steps:

1. Take Hydrea capsules daily at the same time to maintain a constant level of the drug in the body.
2. The capsules should be swallowed whole, without chewing or opening, to avoid irritation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat.
3. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

It is important to follow your doctors instructions and report any side effects or changes in your condition so that treatment can be adjusted if necessary.

How does it work?

Hydrea works by interfering with the cell division process with its active ingredient, hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea inhibits the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, which is essential for DNA synthesis. This disrupts the cell division process, especially in actively reproducing cells, such as cancer cells. As a result, the drug slows down or stops their growth and spread.

This mechanism is particularly effective in the treatment of chronic myeloproliferative diseases, where there is excessive formation of blood cells. Suppression of the division of abnormal cells reduces the risk of complications associated with blood diseases and helps improve the clinical picture. Hydrea can also affect normal cells, which explains its side effects, but this risk is justified by its ability to control and restrain the development of malignant processes.

Indications

Hydrea is prescribed for the treatment of a number of serious diseases associated with hematopoiesis disorders and oncological processes. The main indications include:

• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a malignant disease of the hematopoietic system, characterized by excessive formation of white blood cells.
• Polycythemia vera is a condition in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, which increases the risk of thrombosis and other complications.
• Essential thrombocythemia is a disease characterized by an increased number of platelets in the blood, which can also lead to thrombosis.
• Certain types of malignant tumors - Hydrea can be used in combination therapy in the treatment of cancerous tumors, such as cervical cancer and ovarian cancer.

The drug is prescribed only by a doctor who takes into account all possible risks and contraindications in order to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety of treatment.

Contraindications

There are a number of contraindications to the use of Hydrea that must be taken into account before starting treatment. The drug is not recommended for use in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any of the components of the drug - allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and require immediate discontinuation of the drug.
• Severe forms of anemia - Hydrea can aggravate the condition, as it affects the hematopoietic system, which is especially dangerous with a pronounced deficiency of red blood cells.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding - hydroxyurea has a teratogenic effect and can cause congenital malformations in the fetus.
• Severe liver or kidney dysfunction - deterioration of these organs can lead to accumulation of the drug in the body and increased toxic effects.

Before starting therapy, the doctor must carefully assess the patients condition to exclude possible risks and avoid complications. Following all medical recommendations is key to successful and safe treatment.

Side effects

Taking Hydrea may be accompanied by the development of side effects associated with its effect on rapidly dividing cells. The most common reactions reported by patients are:

• Bone marrow suppression is the most significant side effect, which may manifest itself as anemia, leukopenia (decreased white blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count).
• Gastrointestinal disorders – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite are common problems that arise during treatment.
• Skin reactions – Hydrea can cause various dermatological problems such as rash, dry skin, itching, and darkening of the skin.
• Fatigue and weakness – many patients report a feeling of chronic fatigue, which is associated with the general effect of the drug on the body.

These side effects can vary in intensity and require regular monitoring by a doctor. If severe or persistent symptoms occur, discuss possible changes in therapy or dosage adjustments with your doctor.