Durea 500mg Capsule is approved for the following conditions:

• Ovarian cancer
• Polycythemia vera
• Chronic myeloid leukemia
• Cervical cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Sickle cell anemia

In cancer, Durea 500mg Capsule works by slowing down the growth and division of cancer cells, which can help to shrink tumours and prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. This can lead to a reduction in the size and number of tumours, which may improve symptoms and increase survival rates.

In sickle cell anaemia, this medication works by increasing the production of fetal haemoglobin, which can help to prevent the abnormal shaping of red blood cells. This can reduce the frequency and severity of painful episodes, prevent damage to organs, and improve the overall quality of life. It also reduces the need for blood transfusions and hospitalisations. It prevents complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and pulmonary hypertension.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Durea 500mg Capsule and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. 

• Durea 500mg Capsule should be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep in the original package.
• Keep away from light, moisture, and heat.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

Durea 500mg Capsule should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is typically taken orally in the form of a capsule or tablet, usually once a day or as directed by the healthcare provider. The medication should be taken with a full glass of water and can be taken with or without food, depending on the individual's preference and tolerability.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. It is important not to take a double dose of Durea 500mg Capsule to make up for a missed dose.

Like all medications, Durea 500mg Capsule can cause side effects, although not everyone who takes it will experience them. 

Serious side effects of Durea 500mg Capsule: 

• Bone marrow suppression (decreased blood cell count)
• Skin reactions (rash, itching, and skin ulcers)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (life-threatening skin reaction)
• Tumor lysis syndrome (occurs when large numbers of cancer cells are killed rapidly)
• Liver damage (jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain)
• Lung toxicity (shortness of breath, cough, fever, and chest pain)

Common side effects of Durea 500mg Capsule: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Skin darkening
• Hair loss or thinning
• Nail changes
• Constipation

Durea 500mg Capsule is a powerful medication that can have potentially serious side effects. Therefore, following your healthcare provider's instructions for taking the medication and reporting any side effects or changes in your health is important. Women taking contraceptives should inform a doctor before the treatment. 

If you are a woman who could become pregnant, use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least three months after the last dose. Tell your doctor if you have any liver, lung, or kidney disease before taking medication. 

You should use sun protection while taking this medication It is recommended that patients undergoing cancer treatment eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and limit their intake of processed and high-fat foods. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is also important.

1. Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on August 2021] [ Accessed on 17 April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.271.pdf
2. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on March 2016] [ Accessed on 17th April 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/016295Orig1s047,s048Lbl.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1721.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 868.
5. Rohit Kumar Agarwal et al; Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Disease: Drug Review; Indian Journal of Hematology & Blood Transfusion; Published on June 2014; Accessed on 17 April 2023; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4022916/#__ffn_sectitle