Hydroxyurea
Sold as Hydrea, Droxia, Siklos
Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) reduces painful sickle cell crises and is also used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia and certain head/neck cancers. It works by suppressing rapidly dividing cells, which is why blood counts must be monitored closely.
What it treats
Reduces the frequency of painful crises and need for blood transfusions in sickle cell disease (Droxia, Siklos brands). Also used for chronic myelogenous leukemia and certain head/neck cancers (Hydrea brand), often alongside other chemotherapy or radiation.
Typical dosing
Dosing is weight-based and individualized by your prescriber, then adjusted based on regular blood counts. Never change your dose without medical guidance.
Side effects
Boxed warning: can cause severe bone marrow suppression (low blood cell counts), increasing infection and bleeding risk. Requires regular CBC (complete blood count) monitoring — typically every 2–4 weeks initially, then monthly once stable — to catch this early. Also associated with increased long-term skin cancer risk — use sun protection. Common: nausea, mouth sores, temporary hair thinning.
Interactions to know
Use with other bone-marrow-suppressing drugs or radiation can compound blood count drops. Live vaccines should generally be avoided during treatment — discuss with your prescriber.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Can cause fetal harm; not recommended during pregnancy. Effective contraception is advised during treatment for people who can become pregnant, and hydroxyurea should be stopped before planned pregnancy per your prescriber's guidance.
Clinical content reviewed by the BetterBuyRx clinical team.
Educational only. Not medical advice. Always confirm with your prescriber or pharmacist.