Buy Hydrea
Hydrea
Hydrea Properties
About Hydrea
Hydrea is a brand-name formulation of hydroxyurea, an antimetabolite medication classified as an anti-cancer agent. It is approved in Singapore for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and certain myeloproliferative disorders. By interfering with DNA synthesis, Hydrea helps to control abnormal cell proliferation, offering patients a therapeutic option when conventional chemotherapy is unsuitable or when disease-specific guidelines recommend its use.
What is Hydrea?
Hydrea is a branded oral pill that delivers hydroxyurea, a ribonucleotide-reductase inhibitor used primarily in oncology. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved Hydrea in 1999 for chronic myeloid leukaemia and for selected myeloproliferative neoplasms. The product is supplied in 500 mg tablets, matching the standard adult dose for many indications. While the brand itself is recognised, the underlying active ingredient is the same as generic hydroxyurea, which is available worldwide under various names.
How Hydrea Works
Hydrea exerts its anticancer effect by targeting ribonucleotide reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting ribonucleotides into deoxyribonucleotides-the building blocks of DNA. By blocking this conversion, hydroxyurea depletes the intracellular pool of deoxyribonucleotides, halting DNA replication during the S-phase of the cell cycle. This S-phase arrest leads to apoptosis in rapidly dividing malignant cells.
Pharmacokinetically, the tablet is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. Bioavailability is close to 100 %, and food has minimal impact on absorption, allowing flexibility in dosing time. Hydroxyurea is metabolised primarily by the liver and excreted unchanged in the urine; the terminal half-life ranges from 2 to 4 hours in healthy adults, but may be prolonged in renal impairment. Because the drug does not require extensive metabolic activation, interactions are limited, though concurrent use of other marrow-suppressive agents can amplify cytopenias.
Why Hydrea Is Used for Anti-Cancer Medication Conditions
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) - By inhibiting DNA synthesis, Hydrea reduces the proliferation of BCR-ABL-positive leukemic cells, especially in patients who cannot tolerate tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. It is positioned as a second-line option in several Singaporean treatment algorithms.
- Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia - Hydroxyurea controls excessive erythrocyte or platelet production, lowering thrombotic risk. Guidelines list it as the first-line cytoreductive agent for high-risk patients.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (selected subtypes) - Low-dose Hydroxyurea can improve cytopenias by modulating marrow turnover, though its use is more supportive than curative.
Why it works: In each of these disorders, the pathophysiology involves uncontrolled proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors. By curbing the supply of deoxyribonucleotides, Hydrea directly impedes the proliferative drive, leading to disease stabilisation and symptom relief.
Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Hydrea
Clinical studies outside Singapore have explored hydroxyurea for sickle-cell disease, where it induces fetal haemoglobin and reduces vaso-occlusive crises. Although the evidence is robust-randomised trials show a 30 % reduction in painful episodes-Hydrea is not approved for this indication by the HSA.
Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Is Hydrea Right for You?
Hydrea is generally appropriate for adults with confirmed CML, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, or related myeloproliferative conditions who require cytoreduction. Patients who are pregnant, lactating, or have severe renal/hepatic impairment need dose adjustments or alternative therapies, as the drug can exacerbate cytopenias. Elderly patients often tolerate lower doses (e.g., 500 mg every other day) because of reduced marrow reserve.
The decision to start Hydrea hinges on disease severity, prior treatment response, and comorbidities. As noted in the medication information, clinicians evaluate blood counts, renal function, and potential drug interactions before initiating therapy.
Taking Hydrea Effectively
- Timing: Because food has minimal effect, Hydrea can be taken with or without meals, allowing patients to align dosing with daily routines.
- Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is within 12 hours of the next scheduled dose; then skip the missed tablet to avoid double dosing.
- Travel: Carry sufficient tablets in the original container, and keep them at room temperature away from moisture.
- Interactions: Avoid concurrent use of high-dose methotrexate or other marrow-suppressive agents unless closely monitored, as additive cytotoxicity may occur.
Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Hydrea’s side-effect profile reflects its impact on rapidly dividing cells:
- Bone-Marrow Suppression (most common) - Presents as anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia. Routine CBC monitoring every 2-4 weeks during the first three months is essential. Dose reduction or temporary interruption typically resolves cytopenias.
- Gastrointestinal Disturbances - Nausea, mild abdominal cramping, and loss of appetite occur in up to 20 % of patients. Taking the tablet with a small snack and staying hydrated can mitigate discomfort.
- Skin Changes - Hyperpigmentation or alopecia may develop after several weeks; these are usually reversible after discontinuation.
- Serious Effects - Rarely, severe aplastic crisis or hepatic toxicity can arise. Immediate medical attention is warranted if patients experience fever, persistent sore throat, or jaundice.
Buying Hydrea from Our Online Pharmacy
Our online pharmacy provides a secure, discreet way to obtain Hydrea when local pharmacy stock is limited.
Why Choose Our Service? Through our platform you gain access to a certified supply chain that meets Singapore’s regulatory standards, ensuring the medication you receive is genuine and stored under appropriate conditions.
Quality & Safety We partner with licensed international pharmacies that adhere to WHO Good Manufacturing Practices. Every batch is verified for potency and purity before shipment.
Pricing & Access Competitive pricing makes the branded product more affordable, especially for patients requiring long-term therapy. We also offer a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, helping manage ongoing treatment costs.
Discreet Delivery Orders are packed in unmarked boxes and dispatched via express courier (≈ 7 days) or standard shipping (≈ 3 weeks), with tracking available at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What monitoring is required while on Hydrea? Regular complete blood counts every 2-4 weeks for the first three months, then monthly, help detect early marrow suppression and guide dose adjustments.
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Can Hydrea be taken with other chemotherapy agents? It may be combined with other agents, but the risk of overlapping myelosuppression increases. Such regimens should be prescribed and supervised by an oncologist.
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Is Hydroxyurea the same as Hydrea? Yes, Hydrea is the brand name for the same active ingredient, hydroxyurea. Bioequivalence is established, though the brand may be preferred for consistency in formulation.
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How long does it take to see a clinical response? Hematologic response in CML often appears within 4-6 weeks, while reductions in platelet count for essential thrombocythemia may become evident after 2-3 months.
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Are there any dietary restrictions? No specific food restrictions exist, but maintaining adequate hydration and a balanced diet supports overall marrow health.
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What should I do if I develop a fever while on Hydrea? Fever may signal neutropenia. Contact your healthcare provider immediately; prompt evaluation and possible antibiotic therapy are essential.
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Is Hydrea covered by Singapore’s Medisave or other insurance schemes? Coverage varies by plan. Some private insurers list Hydroxyurea as a reimbursable oncology medication; checking with your insurer is advisable.
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Can I switch from Hydrea to a generic hydroxyurea? Switching is clinically acceptable if the generic meets bioequivalence standards. Discuss the change with your physician to ensure continuity of care.
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What is the mechanism behind hydroxyurea-induced fetal hemoglobin in sickle-cell disease? Hydroxyurea reactivates γ-globin gene expression, increasing fetal hemoglobin levels, which interferes with sickle-cell polymerisation. This effect is independent of its antineoplastic action.
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Is Hydrea safe for patients with mild kidney impairment? Mild renal impairment usually permits standard dosing, but dose reduction is recommended when creatinine clearance falls below 30 mL/min to avoid accumulation.
Glossary
- Ribonucleotide reductase
- The enzyme that converts ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, essential for DNA synthesis.
- Myeloproliferative neoplasm
- A group of disorders characterised by uncontrolled growth of one or more blood cell lineages in the bone marrow.
- Cytoreduction
- Therapeutic reduction of excessive blood cell production, often achieved with chemotherapy or targeted agents.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Hydrea is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Hydrea for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.
