Durea 500 mg Capsule | 10 Capsules in 1 Strip

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 carcinoma of the head and neck). It is also used to reduce pain and the need for blood transfusions in people with sickle cell anaemia. Durea 500 mg will not cure sickle cell anaemia.

Durea 500 mg may cause some common adverse effects include haematological disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, eating disorders and weight loss. This medicine can reduce the number of blood cells in your blood, making you more susceptible to infection. You will need regular blood checks to monitor your blood counts and your kidney, liver and heart function while you are taking this medicine.

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

While using Durea 500 mg, it is important to avoid all "live" vaccines as they can cause serious infections. Examples of live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles) and nasal flu (influenza) vaccines. By avoiding these specific vaccines while using Durea 500 mg, you can prevent the possible development of a serious infection. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about alternative vaccination options that are safe to receive while using Durea 500 mg.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of Durea 500 mg Capsule based on your specific medical condition and individual needs. The frequency of use may also vary depending on the nature of your treatment. Following the prescribed dosage and schedule is important to ensure optimal results. Failure to take your medicine regularly or to take it at the recommended dose may cause serious side effects. Therefore, it is important that you put your health first and follow your doctor's instructions carefully to ensure the safe and effective use of Durea 500 mg Capsule.

Uses of Durea 500 mg Capsule

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a form of most cancers that impacts the blood and bone marrow. Symptoms include tiredness, fever and an enlarged spleen.

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

Head and neck cancer: Durea Capsule is used to treat head and neck cancer. 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.

Sickle cell anaemia: Durea 500 mg Capsule is commonly used to treat sickle cell anaemia. It works by increasing the production of a type of haemoglobin called fetal haemoglobin, which is less likely to form the characteristic sickle shape of red blood cells in people with sickle cell anaemia. By reducing the amount of sickle-shaped red blood cells in circulation, Durea 500 mg may help to reduce the frequency and severity of sickle cell crisis.

Benefits of Durea 500 mg Capsule

Durea 500 mg Capsule belongs to a group of drugs called antimetabolites. It is used to treat head and neck cancer and sickle cell anaemia (blocking the flow of blood, which causes pain and organ damage). In cancer, Durea 500 mg works by blocking an enzyme that is needed for growing cells. This stops the cancer cells from multiplying and growing. In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing the level of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) in red blood cells (RBCs). This helps the red blood cells assume a normal shape, restores blood flow and protects against problems such as painful sickle cell attacks.

Side Effects of Durea 500 mg Capsule

Durea 500 mg Capsule and every medicine have some common side effects. Most of the side effects will not require medical attention and will go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Tell your doctor or health care professional if any of these symptoms become severe or if they bother you for a longer period of time.

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, although it is advisable to take it consistently at the same time each day to maximise its effectiveness. The dosage and frequency of use will be determined by your doctor, taking into account the specific condition being treated. These instructions may change over time, so it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Failure to take the prescribed dose or taking too much of the medicine may result in serious side effects. It is therefore important that you take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

How Durea 500 mg Capsule Works?

Durea 500 mg Capsule works by blocking an enzyme (ribonucleotide reductase) that is needed to synthesise DNA. This prevents cancer cells from growing and multiplying. In sickle cell disease, it works by increasing the level of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) in the red blood cells (RBCs). This helps the RBCs take on a normal shape, improves blood flow and protects against complications such as painful sickle-cell attacks.

Safety Advices Durea 500 mg Capsule

Kidney

Use with Caution

Alcohol

Unsafe

Liver

Use with Caution

Driving

Unsafe

Breastfeeding

Unsafe

Pregnancy

Unsafe

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