The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Low blood counts
- Infections
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Headache
Less Common Side Effects
- Ulcers in the mouth (also called mouth sores)
- Rash
- Skin and nail changes
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
Hydroxyurea serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious infections (due to low blood cell counts): repeated fevers, chills, cough, trouble breathing, severe diarrhea, vomiting, painful or frequent urination
- Serious bleeds: bleeding or bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, large amount of bleeding, throwing up blood, bloody or black and tarry stool
- Lung problems: fever, cough, shortness of breath, other breathing problems
Source: DailyMed
The following Hydroxyurea side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Black, tarry stools
blood in the urine or stools
chills
hoarseness
lower back or side pain
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Blackening of the fingernails and toenails
troubled breathing with exertion
Rare
Confusion
dizziness
headache
joint pain
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
seizures
swelling of the feet or lower legs
Incidence not known
Bleeding under the skin
blisters on the skin
bluish or pale color on the skin of the fingers or toes
coldness of the fingers or toes
crater-like lesions on the skin
drowsiness
fast heartbeat
irritation
itching, pain, redness, or swelling on the leg
joint stiffness or swelling
loss of appetite
muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching seizures
numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes
pain in the fingers or toes
sore on the leg
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
tightness in the chest
trembling
troubled breathing or swallowing
vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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