What Is Hydroxyurea Resource

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Does anyone know the long term effects of a sickle cell patient using hydroxyurea? I heard something about plastic anemia.

Nurse in Ohio replied: "Many years of study have documented the severe effects of sickle cell disease. Some of these effects include hemolysis (the break down of red blood cells), blockages in the blood vessels, and damage to the organ systems of the body. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking hydroxyurea, and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or fever, chills, or sore throat; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; diarrhea; sores in the mouth or on the lips; or unusual bleeding or bruising. Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take hydroxyurea and talk to your doctor if you experience constipation; skin rash; itching; leg sores; redness of the face; hair loss; drowsiness; headache; or dizziness. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome."

Tracie W replied: "Hydroxyurea is used to treat some cancers and help prevent a sickle cell crisis.It is possible and common to develop blood disorders and other problems as a result. If you take this very powerful medicine then surely you would know of the side effects it has on the body. Yes, it can cause anemia (low blood count)but i haven't heard of it being directly responsible to cause 'aplastic anemia' which is a rare ,very serious life threatening disorder. In aplastic anemia, there is a failure of the bone marrow to produce blood cells. In over half of the cases there is no causative factor. Certain drugs, toxins , radiation and even viruses have been linked to aplastic anemia. I suppose that being on hydroxyurea for a long time could damage the bone marrow in some way."

X replied: "I can tell you what will happen if you are a sickler and you do not take it-you will more than likely sicke again. Aplastic anemia was found (according to the JAMA article you are referring to) in less than 1% of people who have been studied. 2 problems with that study. First, the thing called the confidence value was 0.15. To scientists, this is a HUGE issue, and this should not have even been reviewed. My guess is that there is a drug due out that will help "alleviate aplastic anemia caused by hydrox". It happens ALL the time. Second, it was a retrospective study, which is useless in looking at this type of issue (a problem caused by another-in reality memories fade. Someone could have been exposed to say-benzine, which causes aplastc anemia. In fact the study could have been done by a whole group that worked in the same factory-not a far off idea in predominantly black areas of the country)."

Could hydroxyurea raise your paluse rate? My heart rate is up to much why?

Dr. L replied: "info at"

Kristie The Crohnie replied: "If your heart rate is fast as rest rate ( at rest means, laying down or no movement for 20 minutes), than yes...and if it is high than you need to call your doctor asap. It is concerned a serious side effect."

dcrc93 replied: "i dont know look it up on line heart rate is suppose to be 70 to 100 bets per min or call the Er and ask them or a pharmacy"

At first hi No of Blood cells & Now low After taking a Drug called Hydroxyurea (on prescription) for 3 Weeks? My Mother (71 yrs old) was having polycythemia vera (a condition in which the body produces too many blood cells), and hypereosinophilic syndrome (a condition in which the body produces too many of a certain type of white blood cell) including Platelets. Then DRs prescribed her a Drug called " Hydroxyurea ". Now she has taken this drug for 3 weeks, and she has fainted yesterday, then as my mom lives with my sis, they have taken a FBC. Now her FBC Figures Are low as follows : Platelet count 53000 , WBC 3200 , RBC 5.42 , Himoglobin 11.30. Can Any one please give me an idea what could be wrong with my mom and what to expect and things we should ask from the DR. regarding this? Really appreciate your help on this yo save my mom thanks & Best regards Prabhath/

BigJRules replied: "Hydroxyurea is a medication for polycythemia vera, so one of its main side effects would be to bone marrow suppression, which is most likely the cause of the decreased CBC results. Now, usually, this is very common, it doesn't sound life threatining at this point ( I assume that they are giving her some blood products to up those numbers). Did they stop the Hydroxyurea, sometimes they will maintain the drug, even through the bone marrow suppression, until your body "adjusts" to it. Does your mother have chronic polycythemia vera? Is it from some kind of malignancy (cancer) or an autoimmune issue. It could be that these problems are completely unrelated to the drug. It really all depends on her history. The Dr.'s really do know what they are doing, and it is great now that there is so much inter-collaboration between specialities in health care, so I am sure that she is getting the help she needs, however, do not ever feel embarresed or too shy to ask the Dr.'s you questions. If you are not getting the answers you need, keep asking, call constantly until they help you. That is what we nurses and the Dr.'s are there for. Hope everything goes O.K. for you mother, best wishes."

IS there an alternative medicine way to reduce blood platelets without using chemotherapy? I have a bone marrow disorder called 'essential thrombocythemia'. This means I have too many blood platelets. Prognosis is that I "over clot" causing potential heart attack and stroke. THe treatment is to use chemotherapy to reduce platelets: namely hydroxyurea, and/or angrelide, or interferon alpha. Meanwhile, I have read Dr Weils book 'Spontaneous Healing' and wonder if anybody in the world knows of a way to reduce platelets without resorting to these chemo meds. The chemo meds knock out your healing ability as they also reduce white blood cell and red blood cell counts (along with the platelets). Thanks!

Notyour B replied: "Do take the chemotherapy ! The risks you are taking if you don't are enormous. Do not listen to ANYBODY conselling you not to take the treatment, they are lying to you and trying to take advantage of your suffering. You can take some natural products that help you boost your immune system, like echinacea, but do consult your doctor to insure that there is no clash with the chemotherapy. You can also ask for a drug called hematopoietine (called "epo" by athletes) which can help you replenish your red blood cells. You can also look for LEGITIMATE experimental treatments on your own and consult your doctor about it."

jhfyuhh j replied: "There is an instiute that offers ayurvedic treatment in india. Ayurveda is to a great extent also recognised by American Cancer Society to be a good alternative treatment try connecting to It is an interesting web site on herbal ayurvedic teatment of cancer."

kike replied: "Yes The Himalayan Goji Juice."

How can red blood cells have genes if they have no DNA? In the book 'Ultra-Prevention', it states that red blood cells do not contain DNA. But a few pages later it says "researchers found they could change the genetic expression of DNA in red blood cells. They discovered that the drug hydroxyurea can turn on dormant genes in red blood cells..." So you can see the paradox this poses, hence my question.

fuzzyblaa100 replied: "red blood cells do have dna hence the way we use dna from blood samples to fight crime"

Oona replied: "As every cell on our bodies, blood cells come from multipotential cells with a nucleus with DNA. It's after several mitosis that mature blood cells lose their DNA, so they have genes that can be turned on if they are dormant, only that happens before blood cells are mature."

jonmcn49 replied: "Mammalian cells are enucleated, when mature, but other animal cells may have been under discussion here, at the genetic expression passage. Only a salamander type being an exception. I would have to see the book, to be sure."

Cool Breeze replied: "Most vertebrates have DNA in their red blood cells. However, in mammals, mature RBC's do not have DNA. So, the book you are referring to must talking about either non-mammalian DNA or immature RBC's in mammals."

long_d0ng_s1lver replied: "It has to do with when the nucleus is lost. Mature, circulating RBCs do not have nuclei, or DNA. However, the loss of the nucleus is one of the last steps of RBC maturation- for the bulk of their development, normoblasts (as they are called before they lose their nuclei), do contain genetic material. Additionally, the process of RBC formaiton is continuous- there are always new RBCs in formation. So hydroxyurea must work by affecting RBC precursors- not the mature circulating RBCs themselves."

Swelling gums from hydroxyurea or leukemia? Mom is taking hydroxyurea to prevent further cancer increase. Hydroxyurea is chemopills. Anyways, people who would answer this should know it. This is my mom's only chance to live for a little bit more. Otherwise, the doctor told her she will die sometime in january or february. I remember she couldnt eat in the early symptoms of leukemia due to gum swelling. I fear for the worst but I deserve to know the truth. I am making preparations in case so dont feel guilty to tell me the truth. I made my research on hydroxyurea and all I can find is sores in the gum if overdose occurs. She is taking quite a lot because about 3 times a day dosage. Now she is taking 6 times a day dosage. She told me that the swelling of gum is due to hydroxyurea but im critical. I need a little help from someone who knows medicine.

midnightmoon62 replied: "First, I do not have first hand experience with chemo pills. That being said, I have an idea. Chemo in general lowers your blood counts. One of those counts is the platelet count. Every time my platelet count has been low, in addition tto the chemo induced mouth sores, I had sore bleeding and swollen gums. For one, the same thing that causes the mouth sores will cause sores or inflamation of the gums. Second, your gums are very susceptable to bleeding while the platelets are that low. In fact, during treatment I either 'brush' my teeth with my finger or a very very very soft toothbrush rxed by the doc."

Mo replied: "It sounds like you eat too many salty corn nuts."

luke replied: "It's from the leukemia. Does your mom have AML, with an M5 (monoblastic) FAB subtype? I guess her leukocyte count is very high, since the Hydroxyurea has been increased to 3 grams/day. The gum swells because the leukemic cells rapidly multiply in it. How old is your mom? I was just wondering why did she not undergo chremotherapy."

I've Essential Thrombocythemia. Is taking Hydroxyurea for life? Is ET for life? I'm 34 & recently been diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia. My platelet count is above 1,100. According to my Hemotologist, the normal platelet count is in between 150 to 450. He has put me on Hydroxyurea. As per my Hemo, I'll have to take Hydroxyurea for life. Is it true? Will smoking & drinking alcohol affect me while taking Hydroxyurea? I've been doing some research, Hydroxyurea taken for a long period of time can cause leukimea!! Is it possible to stop taking Hydroxyurea once the platelet count is down? Also if I want to have a baby in future, apparently I cannot stop this medication. I'll have to continue medication but in another form. Is it true? Is there any other way? Can anyone please give me more information regarding ET. It would be very much appreciated.

The White Guinea Pig replied: "of course ET is for life. I've never been the same since that film. SOOOO upsetting."

tracymae64 replied: "ET is a myloproliferative disorder. Go to MPD.NET it is a very informative group of people with mpd's. They have a considerable amount of info. that will answer your questions. There is a great deal of research being conducted currently, with clinical trial drugs. Some will replace Hydroxyurea. I take it myself and have a lot of discomfort from it. I have Polycythemia Vera (another MPD). Good luck. Also, the two leading research facilities on this illness in the US are: Mayo clinic, Rochester Minnesota and MD Anderson (University of Texas) Houston Texas. Their leukemia depts have world renowned Doctors who specialize in these illnesses."

midnightmoon62 replied: "I dont know a whole lot on this, but you mentioned something that I wanted to comment on.. You mentioned the medication risk for leukemia. From what I am reading, the actual risk from the med is kind of low. But your disease puts you at higher risk, as does your smoking. Now, I know everyone says smoking causes everything, but... Most commercial cigs contain benzene. This is a chemical that is found in oil and natural gas that is added for flavor and is a primary risk for certain types of leukemia. Seems kind of odd that you are worried about the risk from a med that will save your life, but not smoking. From what I am reading, your hemotologist is correct on everything. You will need to be on medication for life. And the meds are all contraindicated for preg, but can be taken at lower doses, but with risk to the fetus. I would recommend looking at adoption for future children, or egg harvesting and a surrogate."

zrepmd replied: "ET is for life, and monitoring & treatment of it is for life as well. That does not mean you will be on hydrea for life though. there are other treatments available, such as agrylin (which is not so bad) and others which are a little riskier for a young woman like you. It is a long-term disease, though, so the chances that new and better therapies will arise is very real for you. Smoking is NEVER safe. Alcohol in moderation should not be a problem, depending on your definition of moderate. The data regarding long-term low dose hydrea does not prove this drug causes leukemia. Since your disease is associated with a very low leukemia risk even without treatment, it is difficult to substract this background risk and see what effect hydrea has. Most experts worry about this but do not believe the risk is significant with properly administered and monitored hydrea therapy. Usually low doses are all that is needed. If you stop taking it, your counts will go back up. The issue of childbirth is difficult. There may be ways to get around this (besides adoption), but this would require some serious discussion with a myeloproliferative disease expert. I personally have not had any experience with that particular issue. God bless, best wishes"

can anyone tell me the chemical name of hydroxyurea drug? pharmacologically speaking, this drug is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug @nidhi no i mean chemical name like for example, the chemical name of panadol is paracetamol, or that of piriton is chlorpheniramine

Nidhi replied: "You mean the IUPAC name? Or does this help: CH4N2O2 Because the chemical/IUPAC name is hydroxyurea :P Edit : Um, the chemical name IS hydroxyurea. Like paracetamol is the chemical name of Panadol. Panadol is the trade name. Similarly, the trade name for hydroxyurea is Hydrea, Droxia and Mylocel. Hydroxyurea being the chemical name."

Mark replied: "Nidhi is correct, hydroxyurea IS the chemical name; it can also correctly be called hydroxycarbamide."