Hydroxycarbamide
Hydroxycarbamide, sold as Hydrea, is an antimetabolite used to treat Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, certain Head and Neck Cancer and sickle cell anaemia. This Oncology Support shelf carries one product: Hydrea 500 mg tablets.
Key points
- It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells, and can be given alone or alongside radiation therapy.
- In sickle cell anaemia, hydroxycarbamide reduces the frequency of painful crises and the need for blood transfusions in people aged 2 years and older.
- Hydroxycarbamide carries a warning for severe bone marrow suppression, which can increase the risk of serious infection or bleeding.
How does Hydroxycarbamide work?
Hydroxycarbamide blocks an enzyme called ribonucleotide reductase, which cells need to build new DNA. Without that enzyme working, cells cannot copy their genetic material and stop dividing. Cancer cells, which divide faster than most healthy cells, are hit hardest. In sickle cell anaemia, the same interruption shifts the body toward producing fetal haemoglobin, a form that keeps red blood cells flexible and less likely to block small vessels.