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Essential thrombocythemia (ET): When to start hydroxyurea (HU)?

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (113)
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Profile picture for cec2 @cec2

I have a question about the effects of HU. The doctor, PA, and I expect I'll have to start it at some point (he said when my count is over 600k), as my last count was 581k. I know it reduces production of platelets in the bone marrow, but does it also reduce the production of red blood cells and white blood cells? My counts on those are fine and don't need to be reduced.

I know these are questions for the doctor at that time, but this forum is such a great resource I'd like to hear from those who are taking it. Are your other blood cell counts okay while taking HU?

Thanks.

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Replies to "I have a question about the effects of HU. The doctor, PA, and I expect I'll..."
janemc | @janemc | Aug 21 4:49pm

HU does suppress production of all blood cells. I believe this is one reason that, once we begin taking HU, our blood counts are frequently checked.

In my case, despite my high HU intake (15 capsules a week), my white and blood cell counts have been just fine.

What have others experienced?

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nypara66 | @nypara66 | Aug 22 5:59am

It can but it’s just a slight amount. My guess is he will start you on seven days a week and you’ll wind up on 3 or 5X a week to maintain. You will see results within the first month. Two months lowered mine 250 points. Good luck!

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