Product Description.:
DROXIA 6336, DROXIA 6336
capsule , purple , oblong oblong
Black ink
Along with its benefits, hydroxyurea treatment may cause severe, sometimes fatal side effects (see also Side Effects section). Your doctor will follow you closely while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.
Cancers have been reported with the use of this medication but it is not known if these cancers are due to the drug or the disease being treated. Consult your doctor for more details.
Uses
This medication is used in people with sickle cell anemia to reduce the number of painful crises caused by the disease and to reduce the need for blood transfusions. It is also used to treat several types of cancer (such as melanoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, squamous cell carcinomas).
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to treat polycythemia vera and thrombocythemia.
How to use Droxia Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking hydroxyurea and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open the capsule and empty the powder into a glass of water and drink the mixture immediately. Do not prepare a supply in advance. Wash your hands after taking this medication.
Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, laboratory test results, and response to treatment. Your treatment may be stopped for a short time if your blood counts are too low. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
Caregivers should wear disposable gloves when handling this medication or its container. If the powder inside the capsule spills, wipe it up with a wet paper towel and immediately dispose of the towel in a closed plastic bag. Make sure not to breathe the powder from the capsules. Wash hands after handling the medication.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause you to bruise or bleed more easily. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of an infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, pale skin, unusual tiredness.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: skin problems (such as ulcers, darkened/blackened/reddened skin, unusual growths/moles).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), seizures, shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, change in the amount of urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking hydroxyurea, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication
