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Hydroxyurea “Holidays” – How Long Have You Paused?
My mother has ET and has been on Hydroxyurea (500mg) for about 7 months. Recently, due to GI issues and colitis seen on a CT scan, her hematologist advised her to pause Hydroxyurea while they assess whether it was causing the problem. She has now been off HU for a few doses and is waiting to hear back from her doctor on whether to restart it or consider an alternative.
For those who have taken a “Hydroxyurea holiday” (temporary break), how long have you paused? Did your platelets climb quickly, or did they stay stable? Did you eventually resume the same dose, adjust it, or switch to another treatment like Pegasys?
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Your mother is lucky to have your caring support, chaiyosef.
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2 ReactionsAfter 5 months on Hydroxyurea, I suffered a gout attack and went 3 weeks off that med. Afterwards, there was a slight increase in platelet count, but not significant. I was then prescribed a daily low dose of Allopurinol (for gout) and resumed my normal schedule for Hydroxyurea (1000 mg M-W-F & 500 mg the other 4 days).
Hope this helps. Good Luck🤞
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6 ReactionsThank you so much
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1 ReactionThank you
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1 ReactionI paused for a couple of weeks as I was scheduled for a hysterectomy and my neutrophils were too low to have the procedure. They did elevate fast but then went back down again quickly once I resumed HU.
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2 ReactionsI was diagnosed with ET in August 1 time I took it. I had lots of issues so I stopped. I went back on it every other day 500 MG’s sometimes I would be sick and sometimes not now. I am taking it every three days although I haven’t told the doctor that and I am almost normal. I will continue to take it but not without a holiday every now and then and I will keep watching my blood test. Good luck to all of you out there on this chemo drug.😘
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4 ReactionsI am 78 years old and have had ET for approximately three years. , I recently have had a total hip replacement. I am anemic because of the hydroxyurea that I take which is 1000 MG’s each day. I am anemic my hemoglobin went down to 8.9 just before the surgery. Doctor said I may have to have a transfusion. Thank goodness, I have not had to have one. I am very extremely weak and lightheaded. This is because of the low, hemoglobin and being anemic. My oncologist did not want me to stop hydroxyurea before this surgery. It seems my doctor is not concerned about me being anemic. It is very debilitating and I am considering Getting another opinion. Has anyone else had problems with being anemic because of taking the hydroxyurea? Please let me know. Thank you.
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1 ReactionInterested in yr gout. I attended one of those ask-the-mpn-expert programs via Zoom. (Sponsored by MPN Advocacy and Education Int'l. They put video programs on YouTube.) One of the speakers mentioned that gout and other inflammatory issues seemed to be associated with ET, which has an inflammatory component. Did doc associate yr gout with the HU or ET?
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1 ReactionI was informed that Allopurinol can be used as a preventative to high uric acid levels (causing my gout) that may occur in MPN patients.
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2 ReactionsMy gout has been attributed as a side effect of Hydroxyurea.