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.
As of August 2026, Hydroxyurea (500 mg) cash prices on BetterBuyRx start at $8.24 across 4 verified sources (lowest at Mark Cuban Cost Plus). The free BetterBuyRx discount card is compared live on the drug page when a partner network prices this combo. Prices change; confirm at the counter.
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.
Live price snapshot
| Source | Type | Cash price |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Cuban Cost Plus | pharmacy | $8.24 |
| Blink Health | pharmacy | $14.98 |
| Honeybee Health | pharmacy | $23.00 |
| PlanetDrugsDirect | pharmacy | $72.99 |
Save with the free BetterBuyRx card
The BetterBuyRx discount card is free, no signup, no insurance needed. When a partner network prices Hydroxyurea, the card price appears live on the drug page with its BIN, PCN, Group, and Member ID. Show the card at the pharmacy counter; it can't be combined with insurance.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does Hydroxyurea cost without insurance?
- As of the latest check, the lowest verified cash price we've found for Hydroxyurea is $8.24 at Mark Cuban Cost Plus, across 4 verified sources. Cash prices are unregulated and vary by pharmacy, so compare before you fill and confirm the price at the counter.
- Is there a generic for Hydroxyurea?
- Yes. Hydroxyurea is the generic; it is also sold under brand names such as Hydrea, Droxia, Siklos. The generic is typically far cheaper than brand and is what our verified cash prices reflect.
- Can I use the free BetterBuyRx discount card for Hydroxyurea?
- Yes. The free BetterBuyRx discount card is compared live on the drug page and, when a partner network prices Hydroxyurea, shows the card price with its BIN, PCN, Group, and Member ID. It can't be combined with insurance.
- Why does the price of Hydroxyurea vary so much between pharmacies?
- U.S. cash prescription prices are unregulated, each pharmacy sets its own markup, and discount programs and mail-order sources widen the spread further (this is common across the Antimetabolite / ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor class). That's why comparing verified prices before you fill can save money.
Clinical content reviewed by the BetterBuyRx clinical team.
Educational only. Not medical advice. Always confirm with your prescriber or pharmacist.