Hydroxyurea: The Frugal Chemotherapeutic Which Also Treats Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia

Hydroxyurea is an substantially used drug for many varied conditions, at an incredibly low cost. Hydroxyurea, often referred to as hydroxycarbamide belongs to the anti-neoplastic category of drugs, which block the generation of DNA bases essential for growth and repair by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase.

anti cancer

Hydroxyurea is one of the most popular oncology drugs offered by Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals. It treats conditions such as:
● Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
● Chronic myeloid leukemia (Cancer of White Blood Cells)
● Metastatic ovarian cancer, among other aggressive cancers
● Psioratic Conditions

Hydroxyurea is also particularly suited to lower cost budgets, compared to more expensive tyrosine kinase inhibitors while maintaining good quality pharmaceutical care for the patient of interest.

What is of huge application to hydroxyurea’s current use is its clinical implication in the treatment of sickle cell disease.

Taj Accura

Sickle Cell Disease:
● Sickle cell disease (anaemia) is caused by a gene mutation which adjusts the peptide structure of haemoglobin A, the primary carrier of oxygen transport found in red blood cells
● This mutation, localised to the beta globin peptide chains cause them to stick together and thus reduce their function as an oxygen carrier
● In neonates, haemoglobin F (with the gamma globin instead of beta) is prominent in early life which has a higher oxygen binding capacity
● Following the discovery of hydroxyurea being able to induce haemoglobin F production, it has been used in the treatment of sickle cell disease, which is prominent in Africa and Asia, and can lead to an increased risk of bacterial infections and stroke if not treated properly

Hydroexrua 500mg capsules – Blood and bone marrow cancers

Current Developments & Observations:
● A recent study in Pediatrics explored the safety of hydroxyurea use in children suffering with SCD
● Although the increase in oxygen transport is a well established advantage and use, the inhibition of DNA previously raised concerns regarding adverse effects on child and adolescent growth
● Following a randomized trial including 193 children treated with hydroxyurea compared to placebo over two years, no statistical or clinical significance was noted in relation to child weight and height difference
● Hydroxyurea could also be used as a treatment option for beta thalessemia, a similar disease where there is a lack of Haemoglobin A, featuring beta globin for oxygen transport
● A study from the Archive of Iranian Medicine studied forty-nine adults with beta thalessemia showing no adverse effects, efficacy in increasing hemoglobin levels and a reduction in the amount of blood transfusions conducted

Hydroxyurea capsules, USP

Hydroxyurea is available from Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals as the generic equivalent of Hydrea and Droxia. Solid dosage forms are offered in an array of dosages, altering from hard capsules (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mg) to tablets (100 mg, 1 g). A 120 ml hydroxyurea syrup is also available.

References:
Rana S. et Al: ‘Hydroxyurea and Growth in Young Children with Sickle Cell Disease’ Paediatrics 134 (3) September 2014, 465-72
Zamani F. et Al ‘Hydroxyurea Therapy with 49 Patients with Major Beta-thalessemia’ Archives of Iranian Medicine 12 (3) May 2009, 295-297 Hydroxyurea: The Frugal Chemotherapeutic Which Also Treats Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia – Taj Dearob Pharma | Hydroxyurea is an substantially used drug for many varied conditions, at an incredibly low cost. Hydroxyurea, often referred to as hydroxycarbamide belongs to the anti-neoplastic category of drugs, which block the generation of DNA bases essential for growth and repair by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase.
Hydroxyurea: The Frugal Chemotherapeutic Which Also Treats Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia – Taj Dearob Pharma | Hydroxyurea is an substantially used drug for many varied conditions, at an incredibly low cost. Hydroxyurea, often referred to as hydroxycarbamide belongs to the anti-neoplastic category of drugs, which block the generation of DNA bases essential for growth and repair by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase.
Hydroxyurea: The Frugal Chemotherapeutic Which Also Treats Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia – Taj Dearob Pharma | Hydroxyurea is an substantially used drug for many varied conditions, at an incredibly low cost. Hydroxyurea, often referred to as hydroxycarbamide belongs to the anti-neoplastic category of drugs, which block the generation of DNA bases essential for growth and repair by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase.