Connect
← Return to Essential Thrombocytosis (ET): What are options with aspirin allergy?
Discussion
Essential Thrombocytosis (ET): What are options with aspirin allergy?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Dec 15, 2025 | Replies (11)Comment receiving replies
May I ask: Are you concerned that taking HU (technically a chemo drug) will bring you pain?
While everyone is different, please know that for me at least, HU helps, not hurts.
Taking a pretty hefty dose, I've never had pain from HU.
Instead, it has greatly reduced ET's terrible headaches and fatigue.
You do want to drink lots of water, as sometimes HU can cause constipation. An apple a day is good too!
Replies to "@ewash55 May I ask: Are you concerned that taking HU (technically a chemo drug) will bring..."
I am told that many take not only HU but also a baby aspirin as treatment. I’m not concerned about pain from HU but that aspirin is a go to medication for ET as an anti-platelet med. But you are correct there are other meds besides aspirin. My Dr told me that with ET you are at risk of both clots but also excessive bleeding. Another place I read that excessive bleeding is only a concern when your platelets exceed 1M. This is a bit confusing. One Dr told being allergic to aspirin with ET is like having diabetes but being allergic to insulin.
Connect
HU is not the recommended therapy for my cancer type. I have studied the drugs for chemo and targeted therapy and chose chemo. I’m glad HU is working so well for you!