Side effects of hydroxyurea

Hello, Tamlyn74!

I've been on HU (hydroxyurea) for almost two years without any side effects. That's true for many, while others may have issues.

May I ask, what is your diagnosis? If you have ET, that in itself makes you tired.

YAY, sunscreen! Please add a hat that shades your face and neck. I also wear UPF clothing when I have to be out in the sun. UPF garments are now readily available. Dark-colored clothing that's woven (not knitted) provides good protection too.

Hoping you can find an indoor pool. If that's not possible, perhaps you can swim when the sun isn't shining on the water? Swimming or just splashing around in the water is so good for us!

Whether or when you start experiencing side effects varies widely. Some of us (myself included) experience none or very mild side effects, while others have such severe ones that they need to discontinue HU. As for sun exposure, spf 70 is great - wear it every time you go outdoors, even on cloudy days. I continue to drink a glass of wine on weekends without problems. Try having a beer and see how you do. I'd strongly suggest limiting the amount of alcohol you drink. And keep as active as possible! Best of luck to you!

Yes, 70 SPF sunscreen, long sleeve shirts, and hats… As for swimming in outside pools, they make swim shirts( long sleeve) with built in SPF that will protect you from the sun… I don’t like wearing them while swimming, but prefer it to slathering the sunscreen on my arms, chest, etc… Hope this helps…

It’ll be an about 2-3 weeks. My doctor said I could still have alcohol in moderation. I only take that and baby aspirin so I guess it depends on your other meds and health conditions. Tooth pain is a thing with this med so be aware. Extreme sensitivity to sun also. It’s the least evil of all the drugs to lower platelets so we learn to deal. Maybe you’ll be lucky and not have any side effects. Good luck to you!

I have ET with JAK2.