| Generic name | Hydroxyurea |
| Pronunciation | hy-DROK-see-yoo-REE-ah |
| Brand name(s), other common name(s) | Droxia®, Hydrea® |
| Drug type | Antimetabolite |
| How the drug is given | By mouth |
Indications and Usage
Hydroxyurea is FDA approved to treat people who have chronic myelocytic leukemia and some other blood cancers, including essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera. Hydroxyurea may cause temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment has ended, normal hair growth should return, although the new hair may be a slightly different color or texture.
Side effects needing medical attention
Fever; chills; sore throat; sores in mouth and on lips; unusual bleeding or bruising; convulsions; unusual tiredness or fatigue; dizziness; side or stomach pain; hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there); headache; joint pain; confusion; diarrhea; constipation; drowsiness; redness of face; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting.
Side effects needing medical attention after stopping this medication
Black, tarry stools; blood in urine; cough or hoarseness; fever or chills; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; pinhead-sized red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising.
For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.