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Hydroxyurea causing mild anemia

Posted by mjfp49 @mjfp49, 2 days ago

Hi , diagnosed with ET been on HU for nearly 9 years to control my high platelets.
Anytime my platelets creep back up to over 400k my Dr. adds a pill.
For the 1st time I now have mild anemia.
2 questions: do you eventually adjust to the increased dose and best ways to up the RBC .
I have never had symptoms of ET and HU has never bothered me.
Have no symptoms of anemia either.
Anyone else experience this?
Thanks, MJ

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krag1949 | @krag1949 | 7 hours ago
In reply to @mjfp49 "Hi krag1949, Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish you all the best. I have found..." + (show)
Profile picture for mjfp49 @mjfp49

Hi krag1949,

Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish you all the best.
I have found ET pretty easy to live with for 9 years now and I hope you will feel the same way.
How high were your platelets when you were diagnosed?
Mine had hung around in the middle 400k for nearly 2 years and then jumped to 700k...that's when I had to see a hemotologist.
I have the JAK2 gene mutation.
Never had an issue till now when the Dr. upped it by 2 pills and now dropped one pill.
I know the platelets want to push back and climb again but it usually takes over a year before it hits the 400k mark.
I am hoping my other blood lines will adjust and move back to the low normal range...but I also know the platelets will slowly climb too.
That's the dance we do.

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@mjfp49
When first diagnosed in Oct. 2025 platelet count was high 800k. I too have JAK2 gene mutation. My platelet count now hangs around 350 to400k. My hemo does not want to lower dosage of HU. You are so right it's like doing a dance to keep it all balanced. So glad to know you have been on HU for 9 years.with no major problems. Keep in touch!!!

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mjfp49 | @mjfp49 | 6 hours ago

Will do.
Hope all goes well for you.
I will see my doctor in mid September to see how the anemia is...usually see her every 3 months but this time she said come back in 2.
It's good to chat with folks who have the same issue...more helpful sometimes than a doctor visit.😁

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