Lightheadedness, Brain fog, Itchy: Side effects of HU or ET itself?

Good question! I am sorry you're experiencing these problems.

Looking back, are you having more dizziness/brain fog/itching since starting HU last summer? If so, this would be something to discuss with your doctors. Only they can puzzle out your individual situation.

Unfortunately, ET itself brings headaches and fatigue -- which could cloud our thinking and make us feel dizzy.

For me at least, reaching an effective HU dose meant fewer headaches and more energy. That process took 8 months.

As to skin, mine is more itchy and fragile now. While skin sensitivity too can be an ET symptom, I think HU is contributing. I now "bathe"with a washcloth rather than hot showers. I have lotion bottles stationed everywhere. And I always carry bandaids for the frequent scrapes to my hands.

Hope others will chime in with helpful suggestions!

When I first started with ET JAK2 in 2022 I was given 500 mg HU daily. I had the lightheaded feeling and daily headaches. Hematologist gave me a break for a month. Then I started every other day,

Now two years later I am taking 500 mg HU four days a week and my platelet count is 515. I still get frequent headaches and evening fatigue, I am 80 years old.

Eileen