Hydrea Compared to Alternatives

For Anemia, Sickle Cell: Hello. I have Sickle Cell Disease-SS Hemoglobin. My hematologist started me on Hydrea in 2001 & I'm still on it. I'm in my early 40's & it had helped me. I take 4 capsules 500 mg now, but in 2001, my blood count was extremely low. Once on it, it had increased my red cell count, while my white cell count decreased (which it's suppose to do). I have less amount of hospital admissions now. But I have to admit, even though doctors may think it's like a "cure", it's NOT! I've lately been having small pain crisis in joints that made me go to ER but not admitted about 3 months out of entire year. My RBC & WBC counts are still looking good. You HAVE to keep your doctor appointments & tests while on this medication. I do have extreme nausea & have to skip a day sometimes. This medication may work on one Sickler but NOT on another. Now we have another alternative. I hope my experience will help other Sicklers see pros & cons. But we FINALLY have a choice now!

For Anemia, Sickle Cell: Hydroxyurea significantly improves the frequency of sickle cell crisis, but it has a long list of adverse effects. But if the dose is monitored properly and complete blood count of patient is done on regular basis, than some of the adverse effects can be easily identified and managed accordingly.

For Thrombocythemia: Started on 500mg hydroxyurea and got swollen tongue but not anaphylaxis. Asked to try different brand. I responded well to Droxia brand of hydroxyurea and take multiple 200 m.g. to avoid dyes found in other doses and brands. Brought platelets to near 450 (450,000).

For Thrombocythemia: Medicine takes platelets down but when pharmacy changed manufacturers my skin itches very badly. I will try to go back to old pharmacy

For Dietary Supplementation: I used to get about 3 to 5 cold sores a yr,.I bought Valtrex by the bucketload to keep the damned things under control,.I also would have to purchase Abreva and all sort of other lipp medications to help with healing,.costing me $ 1000 a yr for 5 yrs About a yr and a half ago (just on a whim) I took some Vitamin E I had stored under my cabinet for years, because I had heard it was good for the skin and hair,.I was not even thinking about taking it for cold sores and such,.Well after about a week I noticed I wasn't getting the tingling or the feelings associated with the beginnings of a cold sore,. To be short,.I now take 2 capsules of Vitamin E 400 to 500 mgs a day and I haven't had a cold sore in a yr and a half,.It TRULY is a wonder drug

For Dietary Supplementation: I am highly allergic to Vitamin E. I had a full body rash and had many problems due to using Vitamin E. It took 2 weeks to get over the rash. The doctor said do not use it ever again.