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What are most common side effects when starting HU (Hydroxyurea)?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 16 minutes ago | Replies (143)Comment receiving replies
In my opinion, a bone marrow biopsy is crucial to determine if you have any other issues that could change your diagnosis or affect your treatment options. Don't let the term cancer scare you - or let the fact that HU is a chemo drug deter you from treatment. Most of us diagnosed from ET will live a long time with it and HU is very effective in managing this disease. Yes, there are side effects but if you read the patient information sheet provided with any prescription medication you'll see scarey side effects there as well. I was 68 when I was diagnosed two years ago, have been on HU ever since starting at 500 mg 2x daily 7 every day and reduced to 500 mg 2x a day, 4 days a week. My only side effects were initially short (less than 30 seconds), sharp headaches and mild hair loss, both of which have resolved.
Replies to "In my opinion, a bone marrow biopsy is crucial to determine if you have any other..."
I agree even though it sucked, lol, Im glad it was done. It ruled out leukemia & reassured me that I had no other mutations. I was diagnosed last year at the age of 47. I can't take HU due to having an allergic reaction within 1 hr. of taking the 1st. dose. I only take a baby aspirin. My levels usually stay between 630 & 750. Due to my age & that Ive never had a blood clot, they are not too concerned at the moment. I go for labs every 3 months to monitor.
I am not sure who had the intial question about bone marrow biopsy. I had disabling trauma from my bone marrow biopsy and when I changed Drs. she said she would not have done it, that it was not needed for the diagnosis. They pounded a spike into me a couple times at the hospital. I had asked for it to be done on my right side because I have had a lot of lumbar issues and pain on my left side. They said whichever side was easier to get to, so they ended up doing my bad left side. I could not walk without sciatic pain for a year or more and it still can bother me when I walk. I went to many Drs. and no real answers. I did my own research and found out that especially for women it can cause periformis syndrome. I had a hip mri and it noted that where my periformis passed the sciatic nerve, with the inflammation it could cause something like that. I did see one sports medicine Dr. that did sonogram down that left side and saw little tears in many places. I was sorry I did it. Blood tests can often show leukemia now, at least some types. I wish I had waited in case it is needed if it progresses. I guess it depends what your blood readings say.
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I have the same opinion and have already messaged my doctor to schedule it.
Thanks