Hydrea

Hydrea is a phase-specific cytostatic agent that exerts a therapeutic effect during the S stage of the cell cycle. Its active element is hydroxycarbamide. [1]

The drug reduces the rate of cell growth during the G1-S interphase, thereby increasing the synergistic sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation at the G1 stage. At the same time, it inhibits the processes of DNA binding, without changing protein and RNA synthesis. [2]

Indications Hydrea

It is used in combination with other anticancer drugs in the treatment of melanoma, , stomach and breast cancer, myeloid leukemia, osteomyelofibrosis, true form of polycythemia, lymphoblastic leukemia and essential thrombocythemia. Also, the drug is prescribed to eliminate blast crises that develop during chronic myeloid leukemia .

At the same time, it is used in conjunction with radiation therapy for malignant tumors that form in the brain, lungs, uterine neck, ovaries, head and neck.

Release form

The release of the medication is made in the form of capsules - 100 pieces each inside glass bottles. There is 1 such bottle inside the box.

Pharmacokinetics

Orally taken capsules are well absorbed inside the gastrointestinal tract. The drug overcomes the BBB and participates in intrahepatic metabolic processes. Excretion is mainly realized through the kidneys (80%). The half-life is 3-4 hours.

Dosing and administration

The medication is taken orally. Take capsules before meals. The drug is used in course therapy. In the absence of a dosage regimen personally prescribed by a doctor, the drug is consumed in a portion of 80 mg / kg 1 time per 3 days or every day at 20-30 mg / kg, 1 time per day.

When prescribing drugs for the elderly, the dosage should be reduced. During the period of therapy, the patient needs to drink plenty of fluids in order to ensure the fastest possible excretion of the drug.

• Application for children

Hydrea cannot be used in pediatrics.

Use Hydrea during pregnancy

It is forbidden to prescribe medication for breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• blood leukocyte counts less than 2500 / μl, as well as a platelet level less than 100,000 / μl;
• use for hypersensitivity to hydroxycarbamide.

Use the medication with extreme caution in case of kidney failure, hepatic dysfunction, hypolactasia and severe anemia. In addition, it is necessary to prescribe it with caution to persons who have recently undergone radio or chemotherapy.

Side effects Hydrea

The use of the drug can cause such side effects: bilirubinemia, nausea, pancreatitis, gastritis, hepatic dysfunction and suppression of bone marrow activity, as well as stool disorders, dyspnea, epidermal exfoliation or hyperpigmentation, stomatitis, ulcers in the gastric mucosa and anorexia. In addition, urinary retention, increased fatigue, fever, tubulointerstitial nephritis and allergy symptoms may develop.

Overdose

When using Hydrea in larger portions, there may be a change in the epidermis and mucous membranes. In addition, in some patients, the development of violet-type erythema, active stomatitis, epidermal hyperpigmentation or soreness, as well as swelling and peeling in the limb area was observed.

Interactions with other drugs

With the previous use of cytotoxic substances, potentiation of myelodepression may be noted.

Storage conditions

Hydrea should be stored in dry and dark places, closed from the penetration of small children.

Shelf life

Hydrea can be used for a 5-year term from the date of manufacture of the medicinal product.

Analogs

The analogues of drugs are the preparations Hydroxyurea and Hydroxyurea Medak.