Hydroxyurea and any drug interactions?

If you are also taking a low dose aspirin, you should check with your physician but most will say that they are told not to take any additional medications containing aspirin.

I take aspirin with HU, and was told to avoid more aspirin or Advil in cold and cough remedies. Tylenol ok. Beyond that, stuff with decongestants and guaifenisin seem to be ok.

Hi @sallydavis145 A belated Welcome to Connect. I just noticed you’ve been a member for a few months but this your first venture out into the halls of Connect. ☺️ It’s wonderful to have you here.
Are you also taking hydroxyurea? If you don’t mind sharing a little more about yourself, what diagnosis or blood condition led you to requiring treatment?

Hi @hughp. You’re getting some helpful answers from other members who take hydroxyrea (HU) as to what meds are compatible for cold and cough relief. You might also want to pose that question to your pharmacist. They can compare not only the HU to over the counter (OTC) meds you’re interested in taking, but possible interactions if you’re also on any other meds.
By the way, welcome to Connect! So happy you found us. I think you’ll find this group very helpful. If you don’t mind my asking, for what blood condition are you taking the HU?

I was diagnosed with PMF. My family doctor noted an abnormally high platelet count in Dec 2025 and referred to a Hematologist at Cancer Care: bone marrow biopsy determined my current diagnosis: I was started on HU Jan 13, 2026: 1@500 per day which has been increased to 2@500 since a week ago, as my platelets have decreased only marginally. Cancer Care will continue to follow my progress/development with monthly blood tests and adjust or change my treatment plan accordingly. At this point I have no outward symptoms other than Itchy skin, and that actually started 14 months ago.

@hughp Thank you for sharing your story about your diagnosis with PMF (primary myelofibrosis). It can be helpful to speak with others are going along the same journey.

So here is a link to get you started to meet members with PMF such as @rspriggle @mahmoudbakry @cindyem and others. Please feel free to pop into any conversation.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/
How have you been feeling with the HU. Any side effects?

@loribmt
No side effects so far.

@nohrt4me
After I saw your response I asked my Dr and they said Advil and Benadryl were ok. So, who knows.

@dewz13 Yah, you don't have to hang around here very long to know that advice and everything else about diagnosis and treatment for ET can be inconsistent. There are a few MPN specialists out there who push interferons and use what I would consider scare tactics about hydroxyurea side effects. There are some docs who happily accommodate alternative medical care along with conventional treatment. There are docs who tell you ET is/is not symptomless, that diet and exercise will/will not help with overall stroke risk, that ET is/is not cancer, etc.

I think that's because, while there is a lot of research on MPNs now, a lot of new info has not filtered into the medical textbooks or to the clinical level. So it's crucial for patients to read, ask questions, and get a bead on how interested and up-to-date their hematologists are.

My original hemo was a seasoned blood specialist who followed new info. She was unsympathetic, but she explained things well, and I had utmost faith in her diagnostic and treatment methods. I have a much younger doc now who seems overwhelmed and, because my platelets are stable, fobs me off on her nurse practitioner, who is a disorganized nightmare. This last time, I got a different nurse, so I requested her for the next visit.

My GP is great for help with side effects and general lifestyle advice.