Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is hydroxyurea. This medicine treats cancers, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, and squamous cell cancer of the head or neck. It may have other uses, too.

You should take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Always swallow the capsule whole, and never open or chew it. After your dose, wash your hands with soap and water. If you have a caregiver, they should wear disposable gloves when they handle the medicine. 

Your doctor may ask you to take a vitamin called 'folic acid'. This is to make sure that you have enough folic acid in your body during treatment. 

Common side effects include a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and either diarrhea or constipation. Your doctor will tell you what to expect, and which symptoms to report. 
Also, this medicine can cause low counts of blood cells. This could cause bleeding or infections. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will check your blood counts every week. It is important to tell your doctor right away if you have unexpected bleeding, or any signs of an infection, like a fever.

As with any medicine, more serious side effects can occur. With hydroxyurea, these include other cancers, like skin cancer, and problems with blood vessels in the skin. You should wear sunscreen, and let your doctor know right away if you notice unusual changes to your skin or body.

It is important to not get vaccines during treatment, unless your doctor says it is okay.

Also, both men and women who take this medicine MUST use methods to prevent pregnancy during and after treatment. Women must not breastfeed.

For best results with hydroxyurea, be sure to complete your lab work on time.