HYDROXYCARBAMIDE 500mg

Hydroxycarbamide Medac is indicated in the treatment:

• Treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in the chronic or accelerated phase of the disease.
• Treatment of patients with essential thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera with a high risk for thrombo-embolic complications

Pharmacotherapeutic group: other antineoplastic agents

The active substance, hydroxycarbamide, belongs to a group of medicines used for certain blood diseases and interferes with the growth of cancer cells. Its most significant effect is blocking DNA synthesis.

Please refer to the instructions on the prescription established by your medical doctor.

Treatment with hydroxycarbamide requires extensive supervision. You will have blood tests before and during treatment to check that you have enough blood cells as well as sufficient kidney and liver function to receive this medicine. The blood tests will normally be carried out once a week.

Adults
In chronic myeloid leukaemia, the common initial dose is 40 mg/kg bodyweight daily. The dose is then adjusted individually depending on the white blood cell count.
In polycythaemia vera, the common initial dose is 15 – 20 mg/kg bodyweight daily. The dose is then adjusted individually to 1 – 2 capsules (500 – 1000 mg) depending on the blood cell count.
In essential thrombocythaemia, the common initial dose is 15 mg/kg bodyweight daily with individual dose adjustment depending on the blood cell count. 

Elderly patients
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to hydroxycarbamide and may require a lower dose.

Method of administration:
The capsules should be swallowed whole and must not disintegrate in the mouth. The capsules should be handled with care. You should use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling them. Even if the risks for the foetus are minimal, pregnant women should avoid handling the capsules.