Hydrea
Developed to alleviate conditions involving abnormal blood cell growth to address long-term stability and symptom control.
- Category
- Oncology Support
- Active ingredient
- Hydroxycarbamide
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Capsule, hard
- Strengths
- 500mg
Hydrea details
- Conditions
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia · Polycythaemia Vera · Essential Thrombocythaemia · Sickle Cell Anaemia
- Therapeutic class
- Antineoplastic Agent
- Pharmacological class
- Antimetabolite
- Contraindications
- severe bone marrow suppression; hypersensitivity
- Minor side effects
- nausea; fatigue; diarrhoea
- Moderate side effects
- leukopenia; stomatitis; skin ulceration
- Dosage forms
- Capsule, hard
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- BMS
- Onset Time
- 1–2 weeks
- Duration
- long-term
- Storage instructions
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Drug interactions
- Didanosine; Stavudine
- Age restrictions
- Use in children managed by specialists.
Precautions and warnings
regular blood monitoring required; protect skin from sun exposure; maintain high fluid intake
Serious side effects
bone marrow failure, requires immediate medical attention; secondary malignancy, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Developed to alleviate conditions involving abnormal blood cell growth to address long-term stability and symptom control.
Mechanism of action
It works by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, which is essential for DNA synthesis, effectively slowing the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells or red cells.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Contraindicated; causes fetal harm. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated; do not breastfeed during treatment.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Hydrea
Hydrea is an established brand containing hydroxycarbamide, used to manage Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, Polycythaemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythaemia. The medication is supplied by BMS in a 500mg tablet form. It supports those managing specific blood disorders by helping to regulate cell production levels as part of a long-term care strategy.
Hydrea availability in Asia
Hydrea is registered across 14 markets including Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, with availability also in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. Generic hydroxycarbamide often provides a more affordable alternative to the original brand, aiding expats and residents who need to maintain their health routines while abroad. Given the clinical nature of this medication, it is best used under the guidance of a doctor.