Hydroxa® 500mg Capsules (Hydroxyurea) – Chemotherapy (Rx)

Quick answer: Hydroxa 500mg (hydroxyurea) is an oral chemotherapy capsule for chronic myeloid leukaemia and, with radiotherapy, some head and neck cancers. You swallow it by mouth as your oncologist directs. MedHub supplies it on prescription and delivers across Pakistan.

For patients and families

What is Hydroxa 500mg?

Hydroxa 500mg is a capsule that contains 500 mg of hydroxyurea, made in Pakistan by Pharmasol. Hydroxyurea slows the body’s production of new cells, so it can bring down very high white blood cell counts and slow cancer growth. It works from inside the body, so most people take it at home.

What is it used for?

Oncologists prescribe hydroxyurea for two main groups of patients:

• Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML): mainly when other treatment has stopped working or cannot be used.
• Head and neck cancer: squamous cell cancers of the head and neck, used together with radiotherapy.

Your doctor will explain why they chose this medicine for you. Patients with CML sometimes take a tyrosine kinase inhibitor as well, such as Imatigliv 400mg (imatinib).

How is it taken?

Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not open, crush or chew them. Your doctor or pharmacist explains how many to take and when, and the amount can change after blood tests. Anyone who helps you handle the capsules should wear disposable gloves and wash their hands afterwards. If you vomit shortly after a dose, ask your care team before taking another.

Common side effects

• Lower blood counts, so you may bruise, tire or catch infections more easily
• Nausea, loose stools or mouth sores
• Dry or darker skin and nails
• Hair thinning
• Skin that burns more easily in strong sun

Contact your doctor straight away if you have a fever, chills, unusual bleeding, severe mouth sores, a new skin sore that does not heal, or sudden breathlessness.

Storage

Keep the capsules in a cool, dry place below 30°C, in their original pack, and away from damp. Keep them out of the reach of children.

How to order from MedHub

1. Send a photo of your prescription on WhatsApp.
2. Our pharmacist confirms the price and stock with you.
3. We pack the capsules securely and deliver them to your door.

If you live in the UAE, UK or Saudi Arabia and a parent in Pakistan needs treatment, you can arrange it through us by WhatsApp. For leukaemia care we also supply Glynib 400mg (imatinib), and you can see all of our oncology medicines in one place.

For healthcare professionals

• Composition: hydroxyurea 500 mg per hard capsule
• Drug class: antimetabolite antineoplastic (ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor)
• Indications: resistant chronic myeloid leukaemia; locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (excluding the lip) with concurrent chemoradiation
• Mechanism: inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, which blocks DNA synthesis and holds cells in the S phase
• Label dose: resistant CML 20–30 mg/kg orally once daily, adjusted to counts; head and neck cancer with radiotherapy 80 mg/kg as a single dose every third day, starting at least 7 days before radiotherapy; reduce the dose in renal impairment
• Monitoring / key precautions: check full blood counts, renal and hepatic function before and during treatment; myelosuppression is dose-limiting, so interrupt if counts fall below protocol limits; watch for skin ulceration, secondary malignancy and photosensitivity; use contraception during and after treatment; contraindicated in pregnancy and severe marrow depression; avoid live vaccines; handle capsules with gloves
• Storage: below 30°C, protected from moisture
• Manufactured and marketed in Pakistan by: Pharmasol (Pvt) Ltd
• Pack: 100 capsules

Frequently asked questions

What is Hydroxa 500mg used for?

Hydroxa 500mg treats chronic myeloid leukaemia that has not responded to other treatment, and head and neck cancers given with radiotherapy.

What is the Hydroxa 500mg price in Pakistan?

Hydroxa 500mg costs Rs 2,290 per pack of 100 capsules. Prices can change with supply, so message us on WhatsApp for today’s price before you order.

Can I get Hydroxa 500mg in Lahore, Karachi or Peshawar?

Yes. We deliver to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad and other cities across Pakistan.

Is a prescription required for Hydroxa 500mg?

Yes. Hydroxyurea is a prescription-only cancer medicine. Send a clear photo of your doctor’s prescription on WhatsApp so our pharmacist can check it first.

How do I take Hydroxa 500mg?

Swallow each capsule whole with water, exactly as your oncologist directs. Do not open or crush it, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Where should I keep Hydroxa 500mg?

Store it below 30°C in the original pack, away from moisture and out of children’s reach. It does not need a fridge.

Can women who may become pregnant take Hydroxa 500mg?

Only after a careful talk with the doctor. Hydroxyurea can harm an unborn baby, so both women and men need reliable contraception during treatment, and your doctor advises how long to continue it.

Can I order Hydroxa 500mg for my parents in Pakistan from abroad?

Yes. Many families in the UAE, UK and Saudi Arabia order through MedHub. Share the prescription on WhatsApp, and our team arranges payment guidance and delivery.

Last updated: 3 October 2026

This information is for general awareness only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.