NTP‐CERHR Expert Panel Report on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of hydroxyurea

How I use hydroxyurea to treat young patients with sickle cell anemia

“…An exhaustive summary on the toxicity of hydroxyurea did not document known effects on either fertility or pregnancy in humans. 61 However, a recent publication reported abnormal sperm parameters in adult males with SCA on hydroxyurea therapy, 62 which could cause either infertility or teratogenicity. In that retrospective analysis, most patients had abnormal sperm counts or function before starting hydroxyurea, making it difficult to determine the contribution of hydroxyurea to the abnormal findings.…”

Guideline for investigation and management of adults and children presenting with a thrombocytosis

“…Rarer complications include fever, pneumonitis, azoospermia and acute elevations in liver function tests, while prolonged therapy may lead to a range of skin toxicity, such as actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and nail changes, such as onychodystrophy and melanonychia. The evidence for teratogenicity is weak, although conception while on therapy should be avoided (Harrison, 2005a; Liebelt et al , 2007).…”

Patients with essential thrombocytosis during pregnancy: Challenges and therapeutic dilemmas

“…In animal studies, teratogenicity and embryotoxicity of hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea-HU) have been described, but there are no adequate safety data for the use of HU in pregnant women [38].…”