Durea 500 mg Capsule

Introduction of Durea 500 mg Capsule

Durea 500 mg Capsule is used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia, ovarian cancer, and certain types of skin cancer (squamous cell cancer of the head and neck). It is also used to reduce pain episodes and the need for blood transfusions in people with sickle cell anaemia. Durea 500 mg Capsule will not cure sickle cell anaemia.

The most common side effects of this medicine include haematological disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, eating disorders, and weight loss. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells in your blood thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with kidney, liver and heart function during treatment with this medicine.

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor about if you have any pre-existing disease such as kidney or liver disease, wounds or ulcers on your leg, uric acid levels high in the blood, etc, or any other medical complications you have and if you are using any prescription medicines and non-prescription medicines, herbal, vitamins, etc. Many other medicines will interact with this medicine, so please make sure inform to the doctor. This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women and breastfeeding women, it may cause birth defects. Durea 500 mg Capsule may affect fertility. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because Durea 500 mg Capsule can harm an unborn baby.

Using Durea 500 mg Capsule may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Durea 500 mg Capsule, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Durea 500 mg Capsule can be taken with or without food, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

Uses of Durea 500 mg Capsule

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and enlarged spleen.

Ovarian cancer: Benefits Of Durea 500 mg Capsule is used to treat ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the ovaries, which are female reproductive organs that produce eggs and female hormones. The symptoms of ovarian cancer may include abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, frequent urination, and changes in bowel habits.

Neck and Head Cancer: Durea 500 mg Capsule is used in the treatment of neck and head cancer. The symptoms of head and neck cancer can vary depending on the location of the cancer but may include a lump or sore that doesn't heal, a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or other voice changes, ear pain or ringing in the ears.

Sickel cell anemia: Durea 500 mg Capsule is commonly used in the management of sickle cell anemia. It works by increasing the production of a type of hemoglobin called fetal hemoglobin, which is less likely to form the characteristic sickle shape of red blood cells in people with sickle cell anemia. By decreasing the amount of sickle-shaped red blood cells in circulation, Durea 500 mg Capsule can help reduce the frequency and severity of sickle cell crisis.

Benefits of Durea 500 mg Capsule

Durea 500 mg Capsule belongs to a group of the class known as an antimetabolite. It is used to treat head and neck cancer and sickle cell anaemia (blocking the flow of blood that causes pain and organ damage). In cancer, Durea 500 mg Capsule works by blocking an enzyme that is required for growing cells. This prevents the cancer cells from multiplying and growing. In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing fetal haemoglobin (HbF) (haemoglobin of unborn babies) levels in red blood cells (RBCs). This helps the RBCs accept a normal shape, recovers the flow of blood, and protects against problems like painful sickle cell attacks.

Side Effects of Durea 500 mg Capsule

​Most adverse effects do not require medical attention and will go away when your body gets used to the medicine. Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms get severe or that bother you for a longer period.​

Most Common Side Effects of Durea 500 mg Capsule

• Redness in Skin
• Hair Loss
• Low energy and Weakness
• Back Pain
• Appetite Loss
• Abdominal Pain
• Blood Disorders
• Sore Mouth and Lips
• Difficulty in Urine
• Diarrhoea

Common Side Effects of Durea 500 mg Capsule

• Skin Cancer
• Appetite Loss
• Dark Urine
• Yellow Skin
• Kidney problems
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome

How to Use Durea 500 mg Capsule?

​Durea 500 mg Capsule can be taken with or without food, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.​

How Durea 500 mg Capsule Works?

Durea 500 mg Capsule works by blocking an enzyme (ribonucleotide reductase) which is required for the synthesis of DNA. This prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying. In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing fetal haemoglobin (HbF) levels in red blood cells (RBCs). This helps the RBCs assume a normal shape, improves blood flow and protects against complications such as painful sickle cell episodes.

Safety Advices Durea 500 mg Capsule

Alcohol

Unsafe

Pregnancy

Unsafe

Breastfeeding

Unsafe

Driving

Unsafe

Liver

Use with Caution

Kidney

Use with Caution

References

1. Hydrea (hydroxyurea) Capsules, For Oral Use, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Product Leaflet

2. Hydroxyurea 500mg, Vinmec International Hospital, Avaliable Form

3. Hydroxyurea Capsules 500 Mg, Drugs.com, Avaliable Form

4. Hydrea- Hydroxyurea Capsule, Daily Med.com, Avaliable Form