Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) – a new generation medicine
Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) is indicated for treating prolonged myeloproliferative syndromes (chronic myeloblastic leukemia, erythremia, idiopathic thrombocythemia, osteomyelofibrosis), ovarian and cervical carcinoma, skin cancer, colon cancer, brain tumor and melanoma in case other cytostatics turned ineffective or are not tolerated by patient. Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) is taken before meal with some water. The dosage of Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) for treating chronic myeloleukemia is determined by the rate of leukocytosis and may vary from 6 tablets a day to 1 tablet 2-3 times a week. The common daily dose is 30—50 mg/ per 1kg of body mass subject to the rate of leukocytes in blood: the dose for hyperleukocytosis numbering 150 000—200 000 and more is 4-6 tablets a day (2000—3000 mg), the dose for leukocyte rate 50 000—100 000 2—3 tablets are enough (1000—1500 mg), and the doses for leukocytosis numbering 20 000—30 000 is 1-2 tablets a day. A maintaining dose of the medicine (one tablet every second day or two times a week) is prescribed for patients with normal leukocyte rate or slight leukocytosis(15 000—20 000 in 1 mm3). The dose of Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) used for treating erythremia (polycythemia) may vary from 500 to 2000 mg/day (the dose is increased until normall value of blood is achieved). As soon as the patient is brought into remission a maintaining dosage (500mg) is prescribed. Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) is also used for treating some malignant neoplasms. The medicine is also successfully used in psoriatic patients allowing them to reduce or even cease taking corticosteroids.