Hydroxyurea and ankle ulcer

Posted by wlm7615 @wlm7615, Nov 16, 2024

Has anyone had a painful ulcer (that won't heal) suddenly show up on your ankle, after taking Hydroxyurea? I was diagnosed with ET and had been taking HU (500/1000 mg on alternate days) for about 5 years. HU controlled my platelets well, but suddenly an ulcer showed up, that would not heal after 5.5 months (the last 6 weeks I received specialized wound care, without any benefit). I was not aware of any injury or insect bite; and diabetes, venal/arterial insufficiency, cancer, and infection were ruled out as possible causes. My online research revealed that such an ulcer is a documented side effect of HU (and that complete cessation of the HU was required to enable healing of the ulcer). However, my hematologist said my ulcer was almost certainly not a side effect of HU, because "such ulcers occur only very rarely and only at high dosages". Finally, in desperation, I quit the HU and within 1 week there were signs of healing, which has continued. Now I have to get a second opinion re: diagnosis and alternative treatments.

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I had a painful ulcer on my ankle that would not heal. I went to a number of specialists who could not determine the origin. I read online that such an ulcer was a reported side effect of hydroxyurea. I finally stopped the hydroxyurea on my own, and the ulcer immediately began to heal. I’ve had to change to another medication for my ET.

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Mine just kept on coming back in new places until I was taken off HU. It can do this to your system after being on it for a while and I was almost 10 years. I would suggest talking to your hematologist as here they take you off it immediately because of risk of sepsis. Good luck

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