Read the Medication Guide if available from your pharmacist before you start taking hydroxyurea and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, lab results, and response to treatment. Your treatment may be stopped for a short time if your blood counts are too low. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.

If you are using the capsules, swallow the them whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.

If you are using the tablets, swallow your dose with a glass of water. Only split a tablet if it has a score line and your doctor has instructed you to do so. If you have trouble swallowing, you may dissolve the whole or split tablet in a small amount of water in a teaspoon and swallow it right away.

Wash hands before and after handling the medication or its container. You and/or your caregiver should wear disposable gloves when handling this medication or its container. If powder from the tablet or capsule spills, wipe it up right away with a wet paper towel and throw away in a closed container such as a plastic bag. Clean the spill area right away with soap and water. Make sure not to breathe the powder from the tablets/capsules.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets/capsules.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.