Hydroxyurea and Constipation: What Users Say

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2019

For Thrombocythemia "I am taking hydroxyurea for thrombocythemia. My platelet count was 1,200,000. After one month on 500 mg a day, my count has not dropped at all. I have experienced terrible constipation. My last bout, I took laxatives, then used a suppository, then had an enema. Finally, I drank a bottle of magnesium citrate, and finally, I had some relief. It doesn’t help that my doctor's office never called me back after I left a message that I hadn’t had a bowel movement in almost a week. I was miserable. Since we don’t foresee a time when I can stop hydroxyurea, I don’t know how I will cope with the constipation. I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. I only drink water. I exercise. But I am still plagued by this. I also have very swollen feet."

• Lop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2020

For Sickle Cell Anemia "Male, 40, living in sub-Saharan Africa - Lagos. I’m hbSS, and my crises have become less frequent over the course of my life, from 5 to 6 times annually as a teenager to a maximum of 1 annually after age 25 till now. I took hydroxyurea for the first time 2 months ago, recommended by my hematologist after an unexpected exchange transfusion. My usual shortness of breath is reduced significantly. I can climb flights of stairs. The doc says I wasn’t given it before because they didn’t think it was necessary. My nails and palms are usually pale and white, but now look normal. Side effects include mild nausea - food doesn’t taste nice anymore, and some constipation - my distended stomach became normal around age 20 but is now back. I go off it for a day once in a while."

• Hyd...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 11, 2025

For Polycythemia Vera "I am 82. I take par 724 for this condition. Been on this medication seven years. Had a problem getting the medication yesterday, but Walmart had it. I hope they haven’t stopped making this medication. I have to take it for life. I seem all right on it, some constipation. Occasionally take something for that. Controls my platelets and red blood cells so far, so good."