Hydrocarbonide safety

[Collie123]

my husband has recently started hydrocarbonide 500mg daily. What measures does he have to take if any to protect me from this drug. At the moment he feels as if he’s putting me at risk even sitting beside me!

[Scottishterrier]

If you are handling his medication you must wear rubber gloves or latex gloves as it can get absorbed through the skin and dependant on how old you are if you are young he must always take protection in the bedroom area as if you become pregnant it will harm the featous he can lead a normal life there is nothing else you both have to worry about Stay safe

Scottish terrier

[hunter5582]

While it is true that HU can pass into bodily fluids, sitting beside you is certainly not any kind of risk. While hydroxyurea is a highly toxic medication, it can be handled safely with proper procedures. The important steps are for him to wash hands before and after taking the HU. If you handle the bottle or the medication, you should wear gloves. There is a recommendation to consider using a condom as HU does pass into semen.

Here is a bit of information.

oralchemoedsheets.com/sheet...

ethrombo.blogspot.com/2017/...

drugs.com/monograph/hydroxy...

chemocare.com/druginfo/hydr...

It is important to note that if your husband finds that HU does not suit him, then there are other options. this would be something to discuss with his MPN care team.

[JustKeepSw1mming]

Hi Collie,

I felt exactly the same way when I started taking it. I felt toxic and was afraid to touch any of my family, not to harm them.

The information that Hunter provided is very comprensive and helped me a lot. I feel much better now understanding the precautions I should take. I use a separate cup and a separate water glass at home during the day. I mark my glass with a bright rubber band 😂, so nobody else drinks from it by mistake.

I was afraid to hug my husband, but my hematologist said it is fine. you do have to wear a condom during sex though.

I read on some sites, that sweat can also be toxic, so I use different flat sheets and wash them separately. May be it is an overkill, but it's my way of feeling safer.

It's an adjustment, but you get used to it and can still enjoy closeness

Hope they will find the beast treatment option for your husband.

All the best.

[brightlys]

I second that your husband should wash his hands after taking HU and you should use condoms in the bedroom.

It is recommended that you (as someone who isn't taking the medication) wears gloves if you need to touch the pills for any reasons. However, it was explained to me that this guideline exists to protect caregivers who are giving the medication a sick loved one repeatedly for many years. You should follow this guideline if you need to touch the pills, but it doesn't sound like that will be a common occurrence for you and so I hope that makes it lessens some of the fears of contamination.

If you have any small children or curious pets in the house, then it's advisable to make sure the medication is put out of reach. Just like you would any other medication.

I've been taking HU for 4 years now and it's never been an issue for anyone in my household. I know it can be scary when someone in your family is told they have to take a chemotherapy drug. I hope this helps a bit!