My sister has recently been diagnosed with this disease and because it seems to be so rare, its hard to find a lot of good information from individuals about the pros and cons of the medicine. She doesn't like taking medicine because of the side effects and is worried it will hurt more than help.
I am interested in how well the medicine Hydroxyurea works in the treatment of Polycythemia vera?
- Posted:
- 18 Apr 2011 by Sandy2011
- Topics:
- polycythemia, polycythemia vera, hydroxyurea, medicine
Details:
Answers (2)
aramanarao13 Sep 2011
Patients who have been diagnosed with PV are advised to have their hematocrit levels checked every month. If the level is above 50, the patients should undergo phlebotomy (i.e. 350 cc of blood is removed from the body like in Blood donation). This continues till the monthly reading comes down to 40-43. In my case, within two/three months of a phlebotomy, the hematocrit level would go beyond 52, necessitating another phlebotomy. After about 2 years of quarterly or bimonthly phlebotomies, my hematologist started me off on Hydroxyurea (500) two months ago. Since then, my platelet count has dropped (but well within the norm) and my hematocrit level has stabilised under 49. The only side effect I have faced is flatulance. However, I would suggest that you consult a hemetologist before you start the medication.
Anonymous 21 Jan 2012
I was diagnosed in June of 2006. I was told my by doctor that when the phlebotomies stopped working I would then be put on medicatio. Seven months ago I had to start Hydroxyurea as the phlebotomies had stopped working causing me severe fatique and anemia.
As for me it has done wonders; my red blood cell count is in control; the fatigue no longer controls my life as I am now able to take iron for the anemia.
I think your sister should give this medicine a chance. I was very reluctant at first but it did not last when I realized that I had a chance to live a active life without fatique and anemia in control of my body and mind.
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
Similar questions
Aloe vera gel?
I've been applying aloe vera gel on my face, but every article I've read talks about using pure aloe vera gel. I was wondering if these ...
1 answer • 29 Nov 2009 • 
Can I use aloe vera now that I have completed my 4 week medication course?
I have persevered with a four week programme and my face and upper chest are really sore and 'spotty' and 'crusty' in a couple of ...
1 answer • 27 Sep 2010 •
Polycythemia Vera - my haemoglobin is 17.5 haematocrit 52.5 rbc cout 5.95 platelet 260000 wbc?
... 9600 i am a man 37 years old. that was smoking the last 10 years ago then stopped 2 weeks ago after this routine lab results..is this a ...
1 answer • 7 Jul 2011 •
Symptoms after stopping hydroxyurea?
What are symptoms when you have missed a week of hydroxyurea. I have polycythemia and have been out of capsules for a week. I am feverish and having ...
1 answer • 18 Dec 2011 •
Hydroxyurea and skin ailments?
I see this is a fairly small group, but wonder if any of the members have had skin problems? Or poor circulation in the toes and feet. Doctors are ...
1 answer • 1 day ago •
I would once again sincerely request your sister to consult with a Hemetologist before starting off on Hydroxyurea. I am sure the advise would be to go in for Th. phlebotomies. It is only if the period between two Th.p. is less than a month after hemetocrit levels drop below 50, a hemetologist will think of using hydroxyurea.
I was not advising to take this medication on one's own. An oncologist only prescribes this medication when the phlebotomies have stopped working. I seriously doubt that any physcians would presribe this drug without years of working with you and your diagnoses.