Hydroxyurea
Important information:
Hydroxyurea is a medicine for people with sickle cell disease. It is also known by the brand names Droxia®, Hydrea®, Hydroxycarbamide®, Skilos®, or Xromi®. This medicine works by:
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Increasing fetal (baby) hemoglobin in red blood cells. Fetal hemoglobin does a good job carrying oxygen to the tissues in the body.
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Helping red blood cells last longer, which can reduce anemia.
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Making red blood cells more flexible and less likely to sickle or clump.
When taken every day, Hydroxyurea can:
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Decrease pain
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Decrease episodes of acute chest syndrome
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Decrease visits to the Emergency Department or need for hospitalization
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Decrease organ damage as you get older
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Decrease the need for a blood transfusion
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Increase energy
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Improve quality of life
Although rare, some people experience side effects. If you or your child experience any of these side effects, we will address them. Possible side effects can include:
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Nausea, headache, rash, darkening of the nailbeds, hair thinning
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Changes in lab values – decrease in platelet or white blood cell counts
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Issues related to fertility or risk to fetus (routine pregnancy testing is required for females over 12 yrs old)
Instructions for taking Hydroxyurea:
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Take this medicine every day, at the same time. It is available in liquid, capsules or dissolvable tablets. The dose is based on weight.
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Do not miss doses. Parents should supervise children while they take the medicine.
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Attend scheduled lab visits, typically every 1-3 months. Lab results tell us if the medicine is working.
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Let your healthcare provider know if you have questions, are experiencing side effects, need refills, or are having a hard time getting the medicine, such as insurance or pharmacy issues.
General medicine safety tips:
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You should know the names of all the medicines you or your child are taking. Share this information with anyone involved in you or your child’s care.
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Before giving the first dose, read the label. Be sure it is what was prescribed. After a refill, if the medicine looks different to you, ask your pharmacist about it before giving it.
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Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand. Each time you refill your prescription, check to see how many refills are left.
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Always check the label and expiration date before giving any medicine. Do not give expired medicines. Ask your pharmacy what to do with expired or unused medicines. If there is no take-back program, empty them into the trash.
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Store all medicines in their original container away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not store in humid places such as the bathroom. Keep them out of children’s reach, locked up if possible.
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If too much or the wrong kind of medicine is taken, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Contact information:
Our team will make sure you are on the correct dose and have plenty of refills. We will also monitor for side effects. If you have questions or concerns, please call our nursing team:
For more information on Hydroxyurea please visit these websites:
Reviewed 11/8/2024 by Alexandra Kaspin MSN, RN