1. < Blood Cancers & Disorders

Effects of HU on immune system

Posted by ortho3 @ortho3, Aug 16, 2023

I’m taking HU for ET (500 mg per day). Am I correct in assuming that I am considered to be immuno-compromised?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.

Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Aug 16, 2023

Hello @ortho3. Yes, you are correct that taking hydroxyurea may reduce your ability to fight infections because it can lower your white blood count, leaving you immuno-compromised. So just take precautions to avoid exposure to people who are ill and wash or disinfect your hands frequently. Be careful with family gatherings or buffets where utensils handled by many people.

I’m immuno-compromised and still wear a mask when I’m in a store or large groups of people, or even in a car with people other than my husband. It’s just not worth the risk of getting covid, RSV or the flu, measles, etc. However, don’t let that prevent you from having a life. We can still be compromised but be out in public and enjoying time with family and friends. ☺️
Do you wear a mask in public? What other precautions do you take to avoid illness?

REPLY
1 reply
ortho3 | @ortho3 | Aug 16, 2023
In reply to @loribmt "Hello @ortho3. Yes, you are correct that taking hydroxyurea may reduce your ability to fight infections..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hello @ortho3. Yes, you are correct that taking hydroxyurea may reduce your ability to fight infections because it can lower your white blood count, leaving you immuno-compromised. So just take precautions to avoid exposure to people who are ill and wash or disinfect your hands frequently. Be careful with family gatherings or buffets where utensils handled by many people.

I’m immuno-compromised and still wear a mask when I’m in a store or large groups of people, or even in a car with people other than my husband. It’s just not worth the risk of getting covid, RSV or the flu, measles, etc. However, don’t let that prevent you from having a life. We can still be compromised but be out in public and enjoying time with family and friends. ☺️
Do you wear a mask in public? What other precautions do you take to avoid illness?

Jump to this post

Yes, I do wear a mask in public places! I’m not overly concerned as a rule, but was curious about the “official” status of taking HU!

REPLY
tokyolin | @tokyolin | Aug 17, 2023

Thank you for this post. I, too, have ET(with MPL mutation) and take 500mg HU daily. I also have high levels of ferritin. Saw my PCP yesterday to discuss the ferritin, but she says it goes along with the ET. Does anyone else out there have high ferritin levels with ET? Did your dr. give you any direction? Linda

REPLY
1 reply
annetterzam | @annetterzam | Aug 18, 2023
In reply to @tokyolin "Thank you for this post. I, too, have ET(with MPL mutation) and take 500mg HU daily...." + (show)
@tokyolin

Thank you for this post. I, too, have ET(with MPL mutation) and take 500mg HU daily. I also have high levels of ferritin. Saw my PCP yesterday to discuss the ferritin, but she says it goes along with the ET. Does anyone else out there have high ferritin levels with ET? Did your dr. give you any direction? Linda

Jump to this post

I have ET and my B12 is high > 2000. I got no explanation from my doctor, only that it is common for ET patients to have high B12.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.