Many hospitals have policies regarding how low your blood cell counts must be before you may need a blood transfusion. These policies are often known as transfusion parameters. Hydroxyurea is a human carcinogen. In patients receiving long-term hydroxyurea for myeloproliferative disorders, secondary leukemia has been reported. Skin cancer has also been reported in patients receiving long-term hydroxyurea. Advise protection from sun exposure and monitor for the development of secondary malignancies. 5.3 Embryo-Fetal. Hydroxyurea is very safe when given by medical specialists experienced in caring for patients with sickle cell disease. In children with sickle cell disease it takes several months to reach the full dose of hydroxyurea. At full dose, the medicine should slightly reduce the number of blood cells in the body. One type of blood cell that can be reduced is a white blood cell called a neutrophil. VisualAbstract ESCORT-HU highlights the real-life positive benefit-to-risk ratio of hydroxyurea in patients with sickle cell disease; Statin therapy initiation is associated with diabetes progression; Incomplete polyp resection increases risk of future and advanced neoplasia; High Amplitude Low Frequency–Music Impulse Stimulation may decrease depressive symptoms in adults with mild-to. For Healthcare Professionals. Applies to hydroxyurea: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral tablet. Hematologic. Very common (10% or more): Bone marrow failure, CD4 lymphocytes decreased, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, platelet count decreased, anemia. Common (1% to 10%): Neutropenia []. Gastrointestinal Hydroxyurea is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, ovarian cancer, and certain types of skin cancer (squamous cell cancer of the head and neck). Hydroxyurea is also used to reduce pain episodes and the need for blood transfusions in people with sickle cell anemia.