What Is It?: Hydroxyurea is an antineoplastic (drug that prevents, kills or blocks the growth or spread of cancer cells) used for the treatment of polycythemia vera, mastocytomas, and leukemias in dogs and cats. Prednisolone is a glucocorticoid s (like the hormone cortisol) used for many indications. They affect nearly every cell in the body and can be used to suppress the immune system in diseases like lupus, to stop itching, to treat Addison’s disease, to treat certain types of cancer, to stop swelling of the brain, to treat certain kinds of anemia and many other diseases and conditions. 

How To Use: Dogs and cats usually receive this medicine by mouth once to twice daily.

Possible Side Effects: Side effects from hydroxyurea are common and include: nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or lasts for several hours: fatigue or drowsiness, mouth blistering. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: unusual bruising or bleeding, persistent diarrhea or any change in normal bowel habits for more than 2 days, fever, chills, sore throat, rash, itching, tingling of the hands and feet, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the right upper part of the stomach. Animals treated with prednisone will have an increased appetite, increased thirst and an increased need to urinate. You should be aware that your pet may need to go out more frequently to urinate. As it is stressful to some pets to have ‘accidents’ you should make sure that your pet can go outside or have a clean litter box when needed.

Storage: Keep in the original container. Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Capsules and tablets may be stored at room temperature. Some liquids should be stored in the refrigerator (see the prescription label.)  Store all medicines away from excess heat and moisture. Do NOT store in the bathroom.

Note: If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.