Any advice for taking Hydroxyurea when you're sick?

Posted by ambervillager @ambervillager, Jan 19 2:41pm

Hi. I've been following this very helpful group since I was diagnosed with ETJak2 last summer, but I've never posted a question before.
I've found many answers to my questions without needing to ask.
But I can't find an answer to this one:
I take Hydroxyurea. Last week I came down with a nasty virus with violent coughing.
I'm really sick and I don't seem to be getting better.
Since Hydroxy lowers the ability to fight off infections, I'm wondering if I should stop taking it until I'm better.
I would ask my doctor but she isn't available on weekends. I don't want to take one tonight if it's going to interfere with my recovery.
Thanks in advance.
Chris

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katgob | @katgob | Jan 19 11:40pm

ambervillager- For the drug instructions, does it say if you forget a drug, take the next as soon as you remember? Call the Dr in the morning. You do not know at this moment if that drug has caused what you have been feeling.
You have not posted here why you are on Hydroxy long term. Your medical team needs to know you are sick and want to find out why.
Be good to yourself and ask for a follow-up.

janemc | @janemc | Jan 20 6:44am

I second katgob -- you must ask your oncologist this important question.

I hope you start to feel better soon.

ambervillager | @ambervillager | Jan 20 8:40am

Thanks to katgob and janemc for your responses.
I take the HU to lower my platelet levels, which are elevated due to the essential thrombocythemia. I ended up takingy regular dose last night.
I'm going to see my GP early this afternoon. I hope he can help me to feel better.
I've only been able to see my hematologist once since my diagnosis - she emails my blood test results to me every 6 weeks.
I actually feel kind of alone with the ET. I often have questions.
There's a tremendous shortage of doctors where I live, and right now the hospitals are beyond capacity with respiratory infections.
I'm lucky to have gotten an appointment so quickly with my GP.
Thanks again for your advice!

janetbender | @janetbender | Jan 20 8:48am

The only time I didn’t take it was when I had norovirus and nothing was staying down! Not the way to lose a quick 5 lbs…

Call your doctors office today - you might need a dosage adjustment.
Good luck.

ambervillager | @ambervillager | Jan 20 9:04am

In reply to @janetbender "The only time I didn’t take it was when I had norovirus and nothing was staying..." + (show)

Thank you. In going to see him in a couple of hours.

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jan 20 9:18am

In reply to @ambervillager "Thanks to katgob and janemc for your responses. I take the HU to lower my platelet..." + (show)

Since there’s so much illness going around, I’m just here to give you a nudge to wear a mask to your GP’s appointment today. ☺️ You don’t want to pick up anything new!

ambervillager | @ambervillager | Jan 20 11:09am

In reply to @loribmt "Since there’s so much illness going around, I’m just here to give you a nudge to..." + (show)

I have it on as we speak. I'd hate make the doctor or any of his other patients sick.
We're in the car, nearly there

ambervillager | @ambervillager | Jan 20 1:35pm

So the doc has diagnosed pneumonia and prescribed an antibiotic. And he said to keep taking the HU. Thanks for your good advice. He said I did the right thing by going to see him.

janemc | @janemc | Jan 21 6:35am

Thank you for sharing your experience, ambervillager. Please rest, take your antibiotic, and know we all wish you a speedy recovery.

1995victoria | @1995victoria | Jan 22 12:23pm

When I had covid, my oncologist said keep taking the HU........check with your oncologist or hematologist

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