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What are most common side effects when starting HU (Hydroxyurea)?

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (69)
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@lynnebgraham

I am also inerested in what medication you are currently taking.
I was on Anagrelide for over 15 years. No side affects at all. Apparently taking Anagrelide for long period can cause Myelofibrosis. Currently waiting results of Bone Marrow test and my GP told me to take Hydroxyurea till I seed specialist as my platelet count was dangerously high. No one told me it was a chemotherapy treatment. I found out that by dr google.

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Replies to "I am also inerested in what medication you are currently taking. I was on Anagrelide for..."
janemc | @janemc | 1 day ago

Yes, hydroxyurea (HU) is a chemo drug -- nobody likes the sound of that. I'm so sorry you didn't get a better explanation from your GP.

HU has been used for decades to treat not just ET and other MPNs, but also for sickle cell anemia. It helps lots of people every day.

And now it is helping you too.

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nypara66 | @nypara66 | 1 day ago

Yea for some reason they never tell you that? I found out also by reading about it after prescribed. Sucks I’ll be on it for life with having PV. I’m two years in this month and it’s under control but I hate the meds! Jakafi is super Expensive and the only other choice for PV patients. It also can cause organ damage, but they monitor with labs. I’m glad you tolerated it well but sad that you developed something else now from the meds. Blood illnesses suck!

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eferret | @eferret | 1 day ago

I would recommend anyone on hydroxyurea to look into Besremi. It has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of myelofibrosis, which can occur in 20-30 percent of people with MPN's like PV or ET 10-12 years after diagnosis.
You can go online and read about the benefits of taking Besremi at besremi.com. There is a phone number on the website to call PharmaEssentia to apply for financial assistance to pay for Besremi. PharmaEssentia can help coordinate the pre-authorization process with your insurance provider.
I am taking hydroxyurea and asked my doctor to consider putting me on Besremi because with my severity of PV I have a higher risk of blood clots and myelofibrosis. I hope to hear from PharmaEssentia this week.

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