Buy Generic Hydrea Online

Generic Hydrea Information

Introduction

Hydrea is a prescription medication containing the active compound hydroxyurea. It belongs to the cancer‑treatment drug group and is used primarily to suppress abnormal cell proliferation in several hematologic disorders. In Hong Kong, Hydrea is approved for adult patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the accelerated or blast phase, polycythemia vera, and sickle‑cell disease requiring disease‑modifying therapy. The drug is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and is also available worldwide under brand names such as Droxia (Novartis) and Myleran (Baxter).

What is Hydrea?

Hydrea is a solid oral tablet formulation of hydroxyurea, a synthetic ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor. The tablet is typically supplied in strengths of 200 mg, 400 mg, and 500 mg. Hydroxyurea was first synthesized in the 196s and later approved for oncologic and hematologic indications. Teva Pharmaceuticals holds the marketing authorization for Hydrea in many jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, where it is listed on the Hospital Authority’s formulary for specified indications.

How Hydrea Works

Hydroxyurea interferes with DNA synthesis by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. This blockage reduces the pool of deoxyribonucleic acid precursors, slowing S‑phase progression and selectively affecting rapidly dividing cells, such as malignant leukemic blasts and erythroid progenitors. In sickle‑cell disease, hydroxyurea also induces fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production, which dilutes the concentration of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and reduces polymerisation. The therapeutic effect typically appears within weeks for cytoreduction in myeloproliferative disorders and within months for HbF elevation in sickle‑cell disease. Hydroxyurea is eliminated primarily by renal excretion; the half‑life ranges from 2 to 4 hours in adults with normal kidney function.

Conditions Treated with Hydrea

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) – accelerated or blast phase – Hydroxyurea provides rapid cytoreduction while patients transition to tyrosine‑kinase inhibitor therapy.
• Polycythemia Vera – It reduces red‑cell mass, decreasing the risk of thrombosis in patients who are intolerant of or contraindicated for phlebotomy alone.
• Essential Thrombocythemia – Hydroxyurea controls platelet counts and mitigates thrombotic complications.
• Sickle‑Cell Disease – By increasing HbF, it lowers the frequency of vaso‑occlusive crises and the need for blood transfusions.

In Hong Kong, the prevalence of CML is estimated at .5–1 per 100,000 adults, while polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia together affect roughly 3–5 per 100,000. Sickle‑cell disease, although less common in the general population, is present among the South‑Asian and Afro‑Caribbean communities, making hydroxyurea an essential disease‑modifying option.

Who is Hydrea For?

Hydrea is appropriate for adult patients who meet the clinical criteria for the approved indications listed above and who have adequate renal function (creatinine clearance ≥ 30 mL/min). It is commonly prescribed when:

• Rapid reduction of leukemic blasts is required before definitive targeted therapy.
• Phlebotomy alone does not control hematocrit in polycythemia vera.
• Platelet counts exceed 450 × 10⁹/L with a history of thrombotic events in essential thrombocythemia.
• Sickle‑cell patients experience ≥ 3 vaso‑occlusive crises per year despite optimal supportive care.

Contra‑indications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe bone‑marrow failure, and known hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any excipients. Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment, active infections, or a history of myelodysplastic syndrome.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Bone‑marrow suppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia) – usually dose‑related and reversible with dose adjustment.
• Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, mild abdominal discomfort).
• Dermatologic reactions (dry skin, mild rash).
• Hair thinning – typically mild and reversible.

Rare

• Cutaneous ulceration – especially on the lower limbs; may require discontinuation.
• Hypersensitivity reactions (fever, eosinophilia, systemic rash).
• Elevated liver enzymes – monitor hepatic function periodically.

Serious

• Severe myelosuppression leading to febrile neutropenia or life‑threatening infection.
• Secondary malignancies (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia) – risk increases with cumulative dose and prolonged exposure.
• Renal toxicity – rare but possible in patients with pre‑existing renal insufficiency.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Antiretrovirals (e.g., zidovudine) – additive bone‑marrow suppression.
• Azathioprine, mercaptopurine – synergistic cytotoxicity; concurrent use requires close monitoring.
• Live vaccines – contraindicated while on hydroxyurea due to impaired immune response.
• Renally cleared drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides) – may require dose adjustment because hydroxyurea can compete for tubular secretion.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all concomitant medicines, including over‑the‑counter supplements and herbal products.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing for CML, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia starts at 15 mg/kg/day, divided into one or two doses, and is titrated to achieve target blood counts while avoiding grade 3–4 cytopenias.
• For sickle‑cell disease, the typical starting dose is 15 mg/kg/day taken once daily; dose escalation to a maximum of 30 mg/kg/day may be performed based on HbF response and blood count tolerance.

Missed dose: Take the forgotten dose as soon as remembered if at least 6 hours remain before the next scheduled dose. Do not double‑dose; simply continue with the regular schedule.

Overdose: Symptoms may include profound bone‑marrow suppression, severe nausea, or vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention; supportive care with growth‑factor support and transfusions may be required.

Precautions:

• Take Hydrea with a full glass of water; food does not markedly affect absorption but may reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, which can exacerbate hepatic toxicity.
• Monitor complete blood count (CBC) weekly during dose titration and at least monthly thereafter.
• Adjust dose in renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) or severe hepatic dysfunction.

Buying Hydrea from Our Online Pharmacy

Hydrea is available for purchase from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. Our service offers:

• Affordable pricing – we source the medication near manufacturer cost, passing savings directly to the patient.
• Verified quality – all tablets are procured from licensed overseas suppliers that meet International Pharmacopeia standards.
• Guaranteed delivery – discreet packaging with express shipping (typically 5–7 business days) or regular airmail (approximately 2–3 weeks).
• Online‑only access – we specialize in international medicines that may be scarce or expensive through local retail channels.

Operating as a pharmacy broker service, we collaborate with accredited overseas pharmacies and suppliers to provide a confidential, reliable channel for patients who need a cost‑effective alternative to traditional retail options.

FAQ

• Is Hydrea available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes. The brand name Hydrea is marketed by Teva Pharmaceuticals, while generic hydroxyurea tablets are supplied by several other manufacturers under the same active ingredient.

• What does a Hydrea tablet look like?
  Hydrea tablets are round, bicolored, and embossed with the strength (e.g., “200 mg”) on one side. In most regions the 200 mg tablets are white, the 400 mg tablets are pink, and the 500 mg tablets are blue.

• Does Hydrea require refrigeration?
  No. Hydrea should be stored at controlled room temperature (15–30 °C), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Refrigeration is unnecessary and may cause tablet degradation.

• Can I travel internationally with Hydrea?
  Yes, provided you carry the medication in its original packaging, a copy of the prescription, and a doctor’s letter if required by customs. Keep the tablets in your carry‑on luggage to avoid temperature extremes.

• Are there differences in inactive ingredients between regional formulations?
  Minor variations exist; for example, some Asian‑market tablets contain lactose as a filler, while European versions may use microcrystalline cellulose. Patients with specific excipient allergies should review the full ingredient list supplied by the pharmacy.

• What are the key clinical trials that established Hydroxyurea’s efficacy in sickle‑cell disease?
  The Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea (MSH) published in NEJM (1995) demonstrated a 40 % reduction in painful crises. Subsequent long‑term follow‑up (BABY HUG, 2014) confirmed safety in pediatric populations and sustained HbF elevation.

• How does Hydroxyurea compare with newer agents like L‑glutamine for sickle‑cell disease?
  Hydroxyurea remains the only disease‑modifying therapy with robust evidence for reducing vaso‑occlusive events, acute chest syndrome, and transfusion requirements. L‑glutamine is approved for reducing pain episodes but does not increase HbF and is generally used when hydroxyurea is contraindicated or not tolerated.

• Is there a risk of Hydroxyurea showing up on standard drug tests?
  Hydroxyurea is not a controlled substance and is not screened for in routine occupational or sports drug‑testing panels.

• Can Hydrea be used in patients with hepatitis B or C infection?
  Caution is advised. While Hydroxyurea does not directly affect viral replication, hepatic dysfunction can impair drug clearance, increasing the risk of toxicity. Liver function tests should be monitored closely.

• What personal import regulations apply to Hydrea in Hong Kong?
  The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department permits individuals to import a 30‑day supply of prescription medication for personal use, provided a valid prescription and a doctor’s declaration are presented. Our online pharmacy assists with the necessary documentation to comply with these regulations.

Glossary

Ribonucleotide Reductase

An enzyme that converts ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, a critical step for DNA synthesis. Inhibition of this enzyme reduces cell proliferation.

Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF)

Hemoglobin produced during fetal development; its presence in adults interferes with sickle‑cell polymerisation and ameliorates disease severity.

Myelosuppression

Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow, leading to anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia.

Therapeutic Window

The dosage range within which a drug provides efficacy without causing unacceptable toxicity.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Hydrea is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions 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.