How do you take Hydroxycarbamide?

Your doctor will decide the exact dose based on your condition and body weight. For sickle cell disease, the usual starting dose is about 15mg per kilogram body weight per day, taken once daily. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose over time based on your blood test results.

What are the side effects of Hydroxycarbamide?

Low blood count (you may feel very tired, get infections easily, or bruise more than usual), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, skin darkening especially on the nails and skin folds, mild headache

Who should not take Hydroxycarbamide?

People who are allergic to hydroxycarbamide, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with very low blood cell counts (severe bone marrow suppression), and people with severe liver or kidney problems should not take this medicine. It should not be used without close medical supervision and regular blood tests.

Prescription

Antineoplastic (cancer-fighting medicine) / Disease-modifying agent for sickle cell disease

Hydroxycarbamide

Q: What is Hydroxycarbamide used for?

Sickle cell disease (to reduce painful crises), certain blood cancers like chronic myeloid leukaemia, polycythaemia vera (too many red blood cells), some types of head and neck cancer

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Hydroxycarbamide (also called hydroxyurea) is a medicine that works by slowing down the growth of certain cells in the body, especially fast-growing cells like cancer cells and abnormal blood cells. For sickle cell disease, it helps the body make healthier red blood cells that are less likely to sickle and block blood vessels.

What is it used for?

Sickle cell disease (to reduce painful crises)certain blood cancers like chronic myeloid leukaemiapolycythaemia vera (too many red blood cells)some types of head and neck cancer

Browse by condition

Sickle Cell Disease Cancer Treatment

How it works

Inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, reducing deoxyribonucleotide synthesis and thereby suppressing DNA replication in rapidly dividing cells; increases fetal haemoglobin (HbF) production, reducing sickling and vaso-occlusive episodes in sickle cell disease.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

Quick Interaction Check

Is Hydroxycarbamide safe to take with another drug?

Check with multiple drugs →

Explore this drug

What to watch out for

This is a very serious prescription medicine — never buy it from roadside sellers or use someone else's prescription. You must do regular blood tests (at least monthly) while taking this drug so your doctor can check your blood cell counts. Handle the capsules or tablets carefully — do not open, crush, or break them, and wash your hands after touching them.

Common Side Effects

Low blood count (you may feel very tired
get infections easily
or bruise more than usual)
loss of appetite
nausea or vomiting
skin darkening especially on the nails and skin folds
mild headache

Serious Side Effects

Very low blood cell counts causing severe infections
unusual bleeding
or extreme weakness — go to the hospital immediately. Sores or ulcers in the mouth or on the legs that do not heal. Signs of liver or kidney problems like yellowing of the eyes
dark urine
or swelling of the body.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking hydroxycarbamide with other medicines that lower blood cell counts (like some HIV drugs such as stavudine or didanosine) as this increases the risk of dangerous side effects. Alcohol should be avoided as it can worsen liver problems and side effects. Always tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

Check your specific combination

Is it safe to take Hydroxycarbamide with your other drugs?

Check →

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Hydroxycarbamide is NOT safe during pregnancy as it can seriously harm the unborn baby, and it should NOT be used while breastfeeding — both men and women taking this drug should use reliable contraception and consult their doctor before planning a pregnancy.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to hydroxycarbamide
pregnant or breastfeeding women
people with very low blood cell counts (severe bone marrow suppression)
and people with severe liver or kidney problems should not take this medicine. It should not be used without close medical supervision and regular blood tests.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in cars or near windows. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture. Keep far away from children as this medicine can be very dangerous if taken by someone it was not prescribed for.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.