Hydroxyurea

• In Aotearoa New Zealand, hydroxyurea is available as 500 mg capsules.
• The dose of hydroxyurea is different for different people depending on your body weight, the condition being treated, your response to treatment and other medicines or treatments you are taking. 
• Your doctor may start you on a low dose and increase it slowly depending on your response.
• Always take your hydroxyurea exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much hydroxyurea to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Timing: Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. You can take hydroxyurea with or without food. If hydroxyurea gives you nausea (makes you feel sick), try taking it with food. Most people take hydroxyurea once a day. Sometimes you may need to take a different number of capsules on certain days, or you may only need to take it once every third day.
• Difficulty swallowing: If you cannot swallow the capsules whole, you can open the capsule and empty the powder into a glass of water. stir well, and drink it straight away. Wear gloves when handling the capsules and powder and wash your hands before and after. Make sure you clean up any spilt powder with a disposable towel or cloth. Do not handle the capsules, or powder if you are pregnant.
• Folic acid: Your doctor may also prescribe a vitamin tablet called folic acid. Taking this vitamin can help reduce some side-effects of hydroxyurea.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.

Here are some things to know when you're taking hydroxyurea. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Taking other medicines: Hydroxyurea can interact with some other medicines, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting hydroxyurea and before starting any new products.
• Blood tests: You will need regular blood tests while taking hydroxyurea to check if it is causing problems with your liver, kidneys or blood.
• Contraception: It's important that you don't get pregnant while you are taking hydroxyurea. Men should use contraception for one year after finishing treatment. If you are sexually active, talk to your doctor about contraception.
• Protect your skin: Hydroxyurea can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, even on a cloudy day. This can cause a burning, tingling feeling on your skin when you are in the sun, or you may notice redness. When outside, protect your skin and eyes by using a good sunscreen (at least SPF30+) and wearing sunglasses, a sunhat and clothing that protects you from the sun. Do not use sunbeds.
• Vaccines: Some vaccines can't be taken while on hydroxyurea treatment and for 6 months after stopping. Talk to your doctor about your options.

Like all medicines, hydroxyurea can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.