Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Hydroxyurea
• Medical Term: Hydroxyurea, oral, 500 mg (HCPCS Code S0176)

Summary

Hydroxyurea is an oral medication primarily used to treat certain types of cancer and sickle cell anemia. It comes in a 500 mg dose and is taken by mouth as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Purpose

Hydroxyurea is used to treat medical conditions like chronic myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera, and sickle cell anemia. The goal is to reduce the growth of cancer cells and manage symptoms of sickle cell disease by increasing the flexibility of red blood cells.

Indications

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
• Polycythemia vera
• Sickle cell anemia
• Severe psoriasis (less common)

Preparation

• No specific dietary restrictions or fasting required.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.
• Blood tests may be required to assess your baseline blood counts and kidney/liver function.

Procedure Description

1. Prescription: Hydroxyurea is prescribed by a healthcare provider.
2. Dosage: Typically taken once daily, as either a whole or divided dose.
3. Administration: Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush or chew it.
4. Monitoring: Regular blood tests are required to monitor blood counts and organ function.

Duration

• Hydroxyurea is generally taken on a long-term basis, with periodic assessments by the healthcare provider to adjust dosage as necessary.

Setting

• Prescribed and monitored by healthcare providers in a clinical setting but taken by the patient at home.

Personnel

• Primary Care Physician
• Oncologist or Hematologist
• Pharmacist
• Nurses for blood tests and follow-up

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Nausea, loss of appetite, skin changes, mouth sores, and low blood cell counts.

• Rare Risks: Severe infections, liver or kidney problems, secondary cancers.

  Management includes dose adjustments and supportive care like antibiotics for infections.

Benefits

• Reduction in cancer cell growth.
• Fewer sickle cell crises.
• Improved quality of life.
• Benefits may be noticed within weeks for sickle cell anemia, and longer for cancer treatment.

Recovery

• Regular follow-up appointments are necessary.
• Blood tests every few weeks to monitor for complications and adjust dosages.
• Follow any specific dietary or activity restrictions advised by your physician.

Alternatives

• For Cancer: Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Stem cell transplant.
  • Pros: Can be more effective in certain cases.
  • Cons: More invasive, more side effects.
• For Sickle Cell Anemia: Blood transfusions, Bone marrow transplants.
  • Pros: Potentially curative (bone marrow transplants).
  • Cons: More invasive, significant risks.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Oral administration with minimal discomfort.
• After the Procedure: Regular monitoring needed; patients may experience side effects such as mild nausea or fatigue. Pain management strategies and comfort measures, such as anti-nausea medications, can be used to mitigate side effects.