Hydrea
Hydroxycarbamide capsules for chronic myeloid leukaemia and certain head and neck cancers. It works by stopping cancer cells from dividing.
- Category
- Oncology Support
- Active ingredient
- Hydroxycarbamide
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Capsule, hard
- Strengths
- 500mg
Hydrea is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Hydrea on your behalf.
- Conditions
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia · Head and Neck Cancer · Sickle Cell Anaemia
- Alternative names
- hydroxyurea
- Therapeutic class
- Antineoplastic Agent
- Pharmacological class
- Ribonucleotide Reductase Inhibitor
- Contraindications
- severe bone marrow suppression; hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea
- Minor side effects
- nausea; vomiting; mild diarrhoea
- Moderate side effects
- myelosuppression; skin hyperpigmentation; maculopapular rash
- Dosage forms
- Capsule, hard
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Onset Time
- 2–4 weeks
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Didanosine; Stavudine; Live Vaccines
- Age restrictions
- Approved for children and adults.
Serious side effects
severe neutropenia, requires immediate medical attention; cutaneous vasculitis ulcers, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Hydroxycarbamide capsules for chronic myeloid leukaemia and certain head and neck cancers. It works by stopping cancer cells from dividing.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, blocking conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides to arrest DNA synthesis.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: High risk of fetal toxicity. Strictly avoid in pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.
Is the Hydrea on Direct Meds a generic?
Yes, you receive a generic. Hydrea is the original brand, made by Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine; the generic has the same active ingredient (hydroxycarbamide) at the same strength. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How is Hydrea priced?
The price varies with pack size. Hydrea comes in a 500mg strength, in packs of 30 to 360 capsules, and the price of every option is shown above in rand, converted from US dollars. Larger packs cost less per capsule.
Payment and prices →What other names is Hydrea sold under?
Hydroxycarbamide is also known as hydroxyurea, the name used in the United States.
What is Hydrea used for?
Hydrea contains hydroxycarbamide, used for chronic myeloid leukaemia, head and neck cancer and sickle cell anaemia.
When does Hydrea start working?
Hydroxycarbamide usually starts to work within 2 to 4 weeks. This varies from person to person.
What side effects can Hydrea cause?
The common side effects of hydroxycarbamide are nausea, vomiting and mild diarrhoea. Less common ones include myelosuppression, skin hyperpigmentation and maculopapular rash. Serious but less common side effects include severe neutropenia and cutaneous vasculitis ulcers, which need urgent medical attention.
What does Hydrea interact with?
Hydroxycarbamide can interact with didanosine, stavudine and live vaccines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Hydrea.
Can I buy Hydrea over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Hydrea. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy Hydrea online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Hydrea names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Hydroxycarbamide at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.