Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support

Most of us, I'd say, take low-dose aspirin as well as HU.

For me that little pill brings great peace of mind.

Thanks once again. I feel lucky that HU seems to be a very safe drug that gets quite good results. Yes, I have also been taking 81mg childrens asperin. I will be sure to ask my hematologist about not taking asperin.

HU = Hydroxyurea.

I started taking it after my ET diagnosis in October 2023.

Some posters here have been taking it for decades.

While HU is technically "chemo," and side effects ARE possible, happily for most of us this inexpensive, readily-available drug is tolerated well.

HU has been in wide use for quite a while . . . it's also used for sickle cell anemia.

For me, the green-and-pink capsules are a welcome alternative to cardiovascular complications.

Say, were you also advised to take low-dose aspirin?

Hi Merle,
I am also on Hydroxyurea for ET. I was put on Eliquis about five years ago for Atrial Fibrillation, I am 80 and now a fall risk and started using a cane. I just talked to my cardiologist about possibly switching to aspirin and he said no. I am told I can only take Tylenol.
Best wishes, Eileen

I appreciate your quick response to my post. Yes, I have been running scared too!
What drug is HU? How long have you been taking HU? I am happy to hear you have not experienced any side effects. Lucky you!
I will take your advice about taking it after eating and then hydrating we’ll all day

Yes absolutely. You are wise to research this. Ultimately, our health profiles are each so unique that well-informed, thoughtful analysis will look different for each of us. Will you let me know what you decide?

Beautifully said!

The New York Times had a recent article about the risks of daily low-dose aspirin. Of course no reference was made to its use by those of us with MPNs.

Something I really liked about the Mayo link was the invaluable advice NOT to suddenly stop taking aspirin!

We have to research our options, then consult with our own trusted health care providers. One size doesn't fit all.

True that. My take-away was that for those who are at high risk for stroke or heart attack there is efficacy in low doses of aspirin but otherwise, benefits may not outweigh the risk. We each have to have accurate assessment of risk and benefit.

Thank you for providing that link -- lots of good information there!

May I note, though, that the discussion is of aspirin use by the general population, rather than by those of us with MPNs.

The answer, I think, is that it varies widely from person to person.

I'm on a fairly high dose of HU (ten 500 mg capsules / week). Other than scaring myself silly about taking the first capsule, I haven't had any side effects at all.

From postings here, I learned to never take HU on an empty stomach, and that drinking plenty of water during the day is beneficial.

This is the perfect place for your questions and concerns -- someone here will have good advice for you!