What it means
An antimetabolite. In sickle cell disease, it makes the body produce more fetal hemoglobin, which keeps red cells from sickling, so pain crises, chest problems and transfusions become less frequent. It is also used for some leukemias and other bone marrow disorders. Its main risk is a drop in blood counts, so regular blood tests are needed.
For the nurse
Check blood counts as ordered and teach the client to report fever, sore throat or unusual bleeding. It is a hazardous drug: caregivers wear gloves when handling capsules and should not open them. Teach effective birth control, since it can harm a fetus.
At a glance
| Drug class | antimetabolite (antineoplastic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos |
| Spanish | hidroxiurea |
| Also written | Droxia, Hydrea, Siklos |
Related terms
antineoplastic
A drug used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and dividing.
sickle cell anemia
An inherited blood disorder in which abnormal hemoglobin makes red blood cells stiff and curved like a sickle.