Is hydroxyurea considered chemo?
Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamate, Hydrea) is a chemo drug that has helped some patients with CMML live longer. This drug comes as a capsule that’s taken by mouth daily. It can bring the numbers of white blood cells and monocytes down to normal. It may also help shrink an enlarged spleen.
What is hydroxyurea 500 mg used to treat?
Descriptions. Hydroxyurea is used to treat cancer of the white blood cells called chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It may also be given together with radiation treatment for head and neck cancer (advanced squamous cell cancer).
How does hydroxyurea work in leukemia?
Hydroxyurea interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Hydroxyurea is used to prevent painful episodes and reduce the need for blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell anemia. It works by making the red blood cells more flexible.
Can you take hydroxyurea long term?
Long-term use of hydroxyurea can cause skin cancer; cutaneous carcinomas are a severe side effect of hydroxyurea. [14] This condition can occur after several years of treatment with hydroxyurea. Patients on HU treatment need to be monitored and follow up for the long term.
What are the long-term effects of taking hydroxyurea?
Long-term treatment with hydroxyurea is associated with painful skin ulcers, aphthous ulcers, non-ulcerative toxicity with erythema, and skin infiltration.
How much does hydroxyurea cost per month?
Average 12 Month Prices for Hydrea (Brand) & Hydroxyurea (Generic)
| Pharmacy | Hydrea Retail Price | Hydroxyurea Retail Price |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | – | $14.98 |
| Walgreens | $115.70 | $88.20 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $103.20 | $60.53 |
| Rite Aid Pharmacy | – | $85.80 |
How many years can you take hydroxyurea?
Is it safe to take hydroxyurea for many years? Yes. Many people with sickle cell disease have taken hydroxyurea safely for over 20 years. Even young children can take it.
Can hydroxyurea cause death?
A third patient randomly assigned to hydroxyurea who received long-term treatment was diagnosed with and died from endometrial carcinoma after the completion of 9 years of follow-up. Fourteen patients had stroke; 8 in the original hydroxyurea group and 6 in the original placebo group (Table 1).
What are the long term effects of taking hydroxyurea?
How much is Hydrea 500mg?
The average cost for 30 Capsule(s), 500mg each of the generic (hydroxyurea) is $43.99. You can buy hydroxyurea at the discounted price of $9.86 by using the WebMDRx coupon, a savings of 78%. Even if this drug is covered by Medicare or your insurance, we recommend you compare prices.