Hydroxyurea

Uses

Hydroxyurea is used in the treatment of head and neck cancer as well as sickle cell anemia.

How it Works

How Hydroxyurea works In cancer, Hydroxyurea functions by inhibiting an enzyme called ribonucleotide reductase, which is essential for DNA synthesis. This action prevents cancer cells from growing and multiplying. In sickle cell disease, it increases fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels in red blood cells (RBCs). This increase helps the RBCs maintain a normal shape, improves blood flow, and protects against complications such as painful sickle cell episodes.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Hydroxyurea include skin cancer, azoospermia (absence of sperm), decreased appetite, fever, oligospermia (low sperm count), bone marrow suppression, hallucinations, convulsions, peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness in the feet and hands), pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary edema, pancreatic inflammation, liver toxicity, cutaneous vasculitis, and increased uric acid levels in the blood.

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