Connect
← Return to Essential thrombocythemia (ET): When to start hydroxyurea (HU)?
Discussion
Essential thrombocythemia (ET): When to start hydroxyurea (HU)?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (111)Comment receiving replies
Hi all: I'm one month into taking Hydrea 500k mg for thrombocythemia. It was very hard to take the first tab, but getting easier. I am careful with the tabs and will start taking them with a full mouth of water. I don't touch them but take one tab from the cap of the med container.
So far I have no side effects - humble and grateful. But my platelet count has come from 805k down to 557k and I am trying to not have to take more Hydrea, assuming taking more increases my chances for side effects. I am trying visualization to help my med be even more effective.
I love and often copy all the comments I find in this chat group. Many thanks.
Replies to "Hi all: I'm one month into taking Hydrea 500k mg for thrombocythemia. It was very hard..."
@diannerk In 1992 or 93 I was diagnosed with ET. My platelets were 1.5 million and no side effects from disease. Hydrea was able to get them down to 400k. Another drug came on the market Agrylin, which the doctor thought might be a safer drug. Took it for a few years. Dr was retiring and told him since my blood counts were normal that I was not going to take any more meds. This was before high platelets were classified as cancer! They called it a blood disorder. For at least 20 years, my platelets remained normal until Jun 2025 when I was diagnosed with MF. Hopefully, you’ll do well with this drug since it’s been on the market for years. Wishing you well.
Connect
@diannerk
HOORAY for that wonderful drop in your platelet count!
Keep up the good work!