Hydroxyurea 500 mg Capsules – Complete Guide for Sickle Cell Disease, CML & Blood Disorders

🔹What is Hydroxyurea 500 mg Used For?

Hydroxyurea is used for the treatment and management of several serious blood and cancer-related conditions. These include:

1. Sickle Cell Anemia

• Reduces the frequency of pain crises
• Lowers the need for blood transfusions
• Increases fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels

2. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

• Used to reduce white blood cell count

3. Polycythemia Vera

• Controls red blood cell production
• Reduces risk of blood clots and other complications

4. Essential Thrombocythemia

• Decreases platelet counts

5. Other Myeloproliferative Disorders

• Sometimes used off-label or in specific protocols for rare conditions like thrombocythemia or advanced head and neck cancers

🔹How Hydroxyurea Works

Hydroxyurea inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme required for DNA synthesis. This slows down or stops the growth of abnormal blood cells and cancer cells.

In sickle cell disease, it:

• Stimulates the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF)
• Reduces the number of sickled red blood cells
• Minimizes inflammation and vessel blockage

🔹Dosage & Administration

• Typically started at 15 mg/kg/day orally, adjusted based on clinical response and blood counts
• For sickle cell anemia, may start at 20 mg/kg/day
• Hydroxyurea 500 mg capsules are taken once or twice daily, depending on the prescribed dose
• Always take with a full glass of water, and preferably with food to reduce stomach upset

💡 Dosage must be individualized by a healthcare professional and regularly monitored.

🔹Benefits of Hydroxyurea 500 mg

• Reduces hospitalization frequency in sickle cell patients
• Controls blood cell overproduction in blood cancers
• Non-invasive (oral) alternative to more aggressive chemotherapy
• Improves quality of life in chronic blood disorders

🔹Common Side Effects

🔹Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention):

• Severe bone marrow suppression
• Signs of infection (fever, sore throat)
• Skin ulcers, especially on the legs
• Liver toxicity or elevated liver enzymes
• Rare: Development of secondary leukemia with long-term use

🔹Precautions & Warnings

• Regular blood tests are required (CBC, platelets, liver/kidney function)
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Avoid in people with severe bone marrow suppression or known hypersensitivity
• Use with caution in those with kidney or liver disease

🔹Drug Interactions

🔹Special Monitoring Required

🔹Storage Instructions

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
• Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not handle opened capsules with bare hands — may be toxic

🔹Patient Tips

• Take at the same time each day for best results
• Do not crush or open capsules — swallow whole
• Use contraception during and after treatment (men and women)
• Stay hydrated and report any unusual symptoms (e.g., bruising, bleeding, infection signs)