Hydrea

Hydrea is a phase-specific cytostatic agent that exerts a therapeutic effect during the S stage of the cell cycle. Its active ingredient 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 DNA binding processes without changing protein and RNA synthesis. [ 2 ]

Indications Hydrea

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

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

Release form

The medicine is produced in the form of capsules - 100 pieces in glass bottles. There is 1 such bottle in a box.

Pharmacokinetics

Orally taken capsules are well absorbed in 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. The capsules should be taken before meals. The drug is used in course therapy. In the absence of a personalized regimen prescribed by a doctor, the drug is taken in a dose of 80 mg / kg 1 time per 3 days or daily at 20-30 mg / kg, 1 time per day.

When prescribing drugs to elderly people, the dosage should be reduced. During the therapy, the patient should drink a lot of fluid to ensure the fastest possible excretion of the drug.

• Application for children

Hydrea is not intended for pediatric use.

Use Hydrea during pregnancy

It is prohibited to prescribe the medication during breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• blood white blood cell counts of less than 2500/µl and platelet counts of less than 100,000/µl;
• use in case of hypersensitivity to hydroxycarbamide.

The drug should be used with extreme caution in cases of renal insufficiency, liver dysfunction, hypolactasia and severe anemia. In addition, it should be prescribed with caution to people who have recently undergone radio- or chemotherapy.

Side effects Hydrea

The use of the drug may cause the following side effects: bilirubinemia, nausea, pancreatitis, gastritis, liver dysfunction and bone marrow suppression, as well as bowel disorders, dyspnea, epidermal exfoliation or hyperpigmentation, stomatitis, ulceration in the gastric mucosa and anorexia. In addition, urinary retention, increased fatigue, fever, tubulointerstitial nephritis and allergic symptoms may develop.

Overdose

When using Hydrea in increased doses, changes in the epidermis and mucous membranes may be observed. In addition, some patients experienced the development of purple erythema, active stomatitis, epidermal hyperpigmentation or soreness, as well as swelling and peeling in the extremities.

Interactions with other drugs

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

Storage conditions

Hydrea should be stored in a dry, dark place, out of the reach of small children.

Shelf life

Hydrea can be used for a period of 5 years from the date of manufacture of the medicinal product.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are the drugs Hydroxyurea and Hydroxyurea Medak.