HYDROXYUREA
Hydroxycarbamide, also known as hydroxyurea, is a medication used in sickle-cell disease, essential thrombocythemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera, and cervical cancer.[1][2]
In sickle-cell disease it increases fetal hemoglobin and decreases the number of attacks.[1]
It is taken by mouth.[1]
Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, fevers, loss of appetite, psychiatric problems, shortness of breath, and headaches.[1][2]
There is also concern that it increases the risk of later cancers.[1]
Use during pregnancy is typically harmful to the fetus.[1]
Hydroxycarbamide is in the antineoplastic family of medications.
It is believed to work by blocking the making of DNA.[1]
Hydroxycarbamide was approved for medical use in the United States in 1967.[1]
It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[3]
Hydroxycarbamide is available as a generic medication.[1]