Myelostat 500mg Capsule (Hydroxyurea 500mg)

INTRODUCTION

MYELOSTAT 500MG contains Hydroxyurea which belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastic agents. It is indicated for the treatment of resistant chronic myelocytic leukemia (blood cell cancer), ovarian cancer and skin cancer (melanoma). It can also be used to treat locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck in combination with chemoradiation.

Inside the cells, hydroxyurea causes an immediate inhibition of DNA synthesis by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase and produces cell death in S phase. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and constipation. Hydroxyurea may harm an unborn baby. Both women and men using this medicine should use birth control to prevent pregnancy, because the use of this medicine by either parent may cause birth defects. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any marked bone marrow depression, severe anemia, liver or kidney disease.

USES OF MYELOSTAT 500MG

Resistant chronic myelocytic leukemia
Ovarian cancer
Melanoma (skin cancer)
Locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck

HOW MYELOSTAT 500MG WORKS

Following oral administration, hydroxyurea is converted to free radical nitroxide (NO) and enters into the cells, which inactivates the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase. Inactivation of this enzyme causes an immediate inhibition of DNA synthesis and produces cell death in S phase.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take MYELOSTAT 500MG as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MYELOSTAT 500MG

SERIOUS
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet
Skin numbness or purple discoloration
Skin ulcers or open sores
Sudden chest pain and wheezing
Upper stomach pain
Fast heart rate
Dark urine
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
COMMON
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation, diarrhea
Low blood cell counts
Bleeding
Mouth sores

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meal. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Constipation:

Eat fibre rich foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
MYELOSTAT 500MG should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking.

BREASTFEEDING
MYELOSTAT 500MG should be used with caution in breast feeding women. Consult your doctor before taking.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
MYELOSTAT 500MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
MYELOSTAT 500MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to hydroxyurea.

OTHERS

Do not take this medicine, if you:

Have a marked bone marrow depression, leukopenia (decreased WBC count), thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count), severe anemia (decreased RBC count) or HIV infection