Hydroxyurea

Indications and Usage

Hydroxyurea is FDA approved to treat people who have chronic myelocytic leukemia and some other blood cancers, including essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera. Hydroxyurea may cause temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment has ended, normal hair growth should return, although the new hair may be a slightly different color or texture.

Side effects needing medical attention

Fever; chills; sore throat; sores in mouth and on lips; unusual bleeding or bruising; convulsions; unusual tiredness or fatigue; dizziness; side or stomach pain; hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there); headache; joint pain; confusion; diarrhea; constipation; drowsiness; redness of face; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting.

Side effects needing medical attention after stopping this medication

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine; cough or hoarseness; fever or chills; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; pinhead-sized red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising.