How long before side effects from Hydrea start?

Posted by arecchie @arecchie, Oct 21, 2024

I just finished week two of Hydrea. How long before the side effects, if any, start? I'm trying to gauge when or if I'm getting the side effects.

Also, does anyone know if you lose some hair (thinning out) or a lot of hair? I know it's different for everyone, but a timeline and any help you can share would be appreciated.

Thanks so much.

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1pearl | @1pearl | Mar 10 7:29pm

In reply to @dax1million "Lori, thanks so much for your comment, there is nothing that compares to prayer. Please everyone..." + (show)

Hi dax1million,

Congratulations on being married to your dear husband 60 years! I agree with what you said about prayers. I am adding you both on to my prayer list. Please keep me in your prayers too.

bshattuck138 | @bshattuck138 | Mar 11 8:57am

Hi. My wife Becky has been on Hu since late summer of 2024. She is 72 and very fit. Her doc is still adjusting her dose and she is currently on 4000 mg/week down from a high of 6000 and hoping to get to 3500/week. She has had no side effects at all. People are different but wanted to let you know that no side effects is possible. She has ET. Good luck.

circawdm | @circawdm | Mar 12 10:24am

Hi, I think giving you a "timeline" when it is so variable with people - some of whom never lose their hair with this drug treatment - would be guesswork and unfair to you. It is similar to asking your doctor to give you a timeline of when you will die if your disease is terminal. They have no idea.

Some doctors will not say, or will make it pretty broad, like "1-3 years" in patients like you or "3-5 years." In *some* diseases that are very advanced, they can be more specific. Still, it is not helpful to many people and only adds unhealthy anxiety to the anxiety they already have over their illness.

suanne90 | @suanne90 | Mar 17 7:51am

In reply to @janemc "Side effects are possible but not usual. I have been on HU for a year now...." + (show)

If u don't mind me asking what is ur diagnosis that the HU has helped with?

janemc | @janemc | Mar 17 10:36am

In reply to @suanne90 "If u don't mind me asking what is ur diagnosis that the HU has helped with?" + (show)

Hello, suanne90! I have ET, MPL driver.

arecchie | @arecchie | Apr 9 6:59pm

In reply to @arecchie "My doctor told me that 600 for platelets is far too high. The range at the..." + (show)

No, and I wouldn't take it without asking a doctor, first. You don't know how it may interact with the Hydrea.

dunewalker | @dunewalker | Apr 10 1:31pm

I’ve been on Hydrea for ten months for lymphoma and myelofibrosis. The only side effect I’ve had is dry skin.
I’m thankful for it.

nande | @nande | Jun 2 6:51pm

In reply to @queenell "Thank you so much. I figured out the acronym for PV. Feeling a tad overwhelmed due..." + (show)

Do you mind sharing your natural remedies?

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 2 8:00pm

In reply to @nande "Do you mind sharing your natural remedies?" + (show)

Hi @nande. Welcome to Connect. While we’d love to be able to treat blood cancers and conditions with natural remedies, they may not always be appropriate for some people or illnesses. Certainly eating healthy is always important, but taking supplements may interfere with medications or cause toxicity levels in liver and kidneys.
So it’s best to first discuss any alternative treatments with your doctor.
What brought you to Connect today? Were you diagnosed with a blood condition that has you taking Hydroxyurea?

nande | @nande | Jun 2 9:01pm

In reply to @loribmt "Hi @nande. Welcome to Connect. While we’d love to be able to treat blood cancers and..." + (show)

Yes, I’ve high platelets and recently had a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration.
I was asking about natural remedies to accompany taking hydrea. Mediations are truly a Godsend. Why would natural remedies be a problem with medications?

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