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Hydroxyurea: what side effects were so bad you had to stop taking it?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 21 hours ago | Replies (40)Comment receiving replies
I have had PV now for about a year. I am a 68 year old female. I am JAK2 positive. I am on 81mg of aspirin daily. I began Hydroxyurea 500mg daily about two months ago. On the second day, my face and ears were beet-red. By day four, I got a red pin-dot rash on both arms from the shoulders to my wrists. I had headaches and nausea. The hardest symptom was sores and ulcers in the mouth and throat, along with white patches. It was difficult to swallow. It felt like an extreme case of strep throat. My oncologist prescribed fluconazole and it gave great relief in 3-4 days. My doctor discontinued Hydroxyurea. I am now on Besremi, which is an interferon therapy. Hydroxyurea was not for me. I had to discontinue taking it eighteen days after starting it. I hope your health journey improves and you find the best drug suited to your needs.
Replies to "I have had PV now for about a year. I am a 68 year old female...."
@sutt9101 I have had PV for 6 years, and on 100 mg Hydroxurean for almost a year. Prior it was just aspirin and phlebs. I have not had any problems with Hydrox, however, I was just re-tested to see what my Jak2 was doing. It was 15% 6 years ago, and is now 68%. Not good. I am attempting to move to Besremi which targets the Jak2 itself. My insurance continues to ask for more proof that I really have PV. I just had a new EPO lab done and waiting for the results. I am hoping this will prove my status. If not, my co pay is $12,000/yr!!!!. I have also considered Jakafi however, its function is different, and I think I need to go to the source. My onc/hematologist has suggested either one and leaving it to me. I would love to know how you are doing on the Besremi.
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@sutt9101
Thank you for sharing, sutt9101.
What you went through was awful.
I'm so glad you found Besremi!