Indications
DROXIA is indicated to reduce the frequency of painful crises and to reduce the need for blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell anemia with recurrent moderate to severe painful crises. DROXIA is an antimetabolite indicated to reduce the frequency of painful crises and to reduce the need for blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell anemia with recurrent moderate to severe painful crises. ( 1 )
Contre-indications
DROXIA is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any other component of its formulation. In patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any other component of its formulation. ( 4 )
Mises en garde et précautions d’emploi
Hemolytic anemia: Monitor blood counts throughout treatment. If hemolysis persists, discontinue DROXIA. ( 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise of potential risk to a fetus and use of effective contraception. ( 5.4 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) Vasculitic toxicities: Institute treatment and discontinue DROXIA if this occurs. ( 5.5 ) Live Vaccinations: Avoid live vaccine use in a patient taking DROXIA. ( 5.6 ) Risks with concomitant use of antiretroviral drugs: Pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, and neuropathy have occurred.
Monitor for signs and symptoms in patients with HIV infection using antiretroviral drugs; discontinue DROXIA and implement treatment. ( 5.7 )
5.1Myelosuppression
Hydroxyurea causes severe myelosuppression. Treatment with DROXIA should not be initiated if bone marrow function is markedly depressed. Bone marrow suppression may occur, and leukopenia is generally its first and most common manifestation. Thrombocytopenia and anemia occur less often and are seldom seen without a preceding leukopenia. Some patients, treated at the recommended initial dose of 15 mg/kg/day, have experienced severe or life-threatening myelosuppression.



