What it's used for
Hydroxyurea is an antimetabolite used to treat resistant chronic myeloid leukemia and locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck in combination with chemoradiation.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
Treatment is individualized based on tumor type and disease state, with a 50% dose reduction recommended for patients with reduced creatinine clearance.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Common side effects
The most common adverse reactions occurring in 30% or more of patients are hematological effects, gastrointestinal symptoms, and loss of appetite.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other everything else medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Hydroxyurea cost without insurance
Cash prices for Hydroxyurea without insurance vary widely by pharmacy, strength and quantity — the same prescription can cost very different amounts at two pharmacies in the same town. That is the problem a membership solves.
Hydroxyurea is on Tab's covered $0 generic list. With an active Tab membership, every covered strength is $0 — not a percentage off, not a coupon that changes month to month — at participating pharmacies nationwide or through mail order. You do not need insurance, and Tab works whether or not you have a health plan.
Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Hydroxyurea dosage and administration
Individualize treatment based on tumor type, disease state, response to treatment, patient risk factors, and current clinical practice standards. (2.1) Renal impairment: Reduce the dose of hydroxyurea by 50% in patients with creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min. ( 2.3 , 8.6, 12.3 ) 2.1 Dosing Information Hydroxyurea is used alone or in conjunction with other antitumor agents or radiation therapy to treat neoplastic diseases. Individualize treatment based on tumor type, disease state, response to treatment, patient risk factors, and current clinical practice standards. Base all dosage on the patient’s actual or ideal weight, whichever is less. Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures [ see References (15) ]. Swallow hydroxyurea capsule whole.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Hydroxyurea side effects
• Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Hemolytic anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Vasculitic toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Risks with concomitant use of antiretroviral drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Radiation recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Macrocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Pulmonary Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥30%) are hematological, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anorexia. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Leading Pharma, LLC at 1-844-740-7500 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Hydroxyurea drug interactions
Antiretroviral drugs (7.1) Laboratory Test Interference. (7.2) 7.1 Increased Toxicity with Concomitant Use of Antiretroviral Drugs Pancreatitis In patients with HIV infection during therapy with hydroxyurea and didanosine, with or without stavudine, fatal and nonfatal pancreatitis have occurred. Hydroxyurea is not indicated for the treatment of HIV infection; however, if patients with HIV infection are treated with hydroxyurea, and in particular, in combination with didanosine and/or stavudine, close monitoring for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis is recommended. Permanently discontinue therapy with hydroxyurea in patients who develop signs and symptoms of pancreatitis.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician and pharmacist about every medication, supplement and over-the-counter product you take.
Who should not take hydroxyurea
Hydroxyurea capsules is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any other component of the formulation. • In patients who have demonstrated a previous hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea or any other component of its formulation. (4)
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is hydroxyurea covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Hydroxyurea is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get hydroxyurea through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get a hydroxyurea prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
How much does hydroxyurea cost without insurance?
Without insurance, retail cash prices for hydroxyurea vary by pharmacy, strength and quantity. Hydroxyurea is on Tab's covered $0 generic list, so every covered strength is $0 with an active Tab membership at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
What is the cheapest way to get hydroxyurea?
For medications on Tab's covered list, a Tab membership is the cheapest route: covered strengths of hydroxyurea are $0 with an active membership, and unlimited video visits with a licensed clinician are included, so the visit that produces the prescription is covered too.
What is the usual dose of hydroxyurea?
Individualize treatment based on tumor type, disease state, response to treatment, patient risk factors, and current clinical practice standards. (2.1) Renal impairment: Reduce the dose of hydroxyurea by 50% in patients with creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of hydroxyurea?
• Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Hemolytic anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Vasculitic toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Risks with concomitant use of antiretroviral drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Radiation recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Macrocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Pulmonary Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥30%) are hematological, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anorexia. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
What interacts with hydroxyurea?
Antiretroviral drugs (7.1) Laboratory Test Interference. (7.2) 7.1 Increased Toxicity with Concomitant Use of Antiretroviral Drugs Pancreatitis In patients with HIV infection during therapy with hydroxyurea and didanosine, with or without stavudine, fatal and nonfatal pancreatitis have occurred. Hydroxyurea is not indicated for the treatment of HIV infection; (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician about every medication and supplement you take.)
Hydroxyurea is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
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