1. < Blood Cancers & Disorders
Profile picture for tamlyn74

Side effects of hydroxyurea

Posted by tamlyn74 @tamlyn74, Jun 19, 2025

I’m on day two of hydroxyurea. How long before the side effects kicked in? I am taking it at night. Hoping to avoid excessive tiredness. I bought 70 SPF sunscreen. I love the pool and yard work. Can I still have a couple of beers? Any other advice you can offer that would be great.

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

Profile picture for starbucks
starbucks | @starbucks | 8 hours ago

I was diagnosed with ET CALR+ gene with platelets over a million a year ago. I also have had osteoporosis for years. I am 74 and the hematologist changes the dosage of hydroxy between 500 once a day every day to twice a day depending on the platelets and white blood cell count. I get a cbc monthly which he reads and then determines my dosage. I see my hematologist every six months. My platelets are now vary between 300 - 600. I am also on a daily aspirin and get Prolia every six months. I’ve been on Prolia for 4 or 5 years. Prolia has been great with no side effects compared to Fosamax which made me feel the worst I’ve ever been in my entire life. Yes, i sometimes feel tired, achy or upset stomach from the Hydroxy or lactose intolerant. All of that is minor compared to blood clots or a stroke. I bike, exercise, play with my grandchildren, go on visits with my therapy dog , ride my horse and spend time with friends. Off to the Netherlands to do a bike and barge trip so blood cancer and the side effects is just part of my life now.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for janemc
janemc | @janemc | 7 hours ago
In reply to @starbucks "I was diagnosed with ET CALR+ gene with platelets over a million a year ago. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for starbucks @starbucks

I was diagnosed with ET CALR+ gene with platelets over a million a year ago. I also have had osteoporosis for years. I am 74 and the hematologist changes the dosage of hydroxy between 500 once a day every day to twice a day depending on the platelets and white blood cell count. I get a cbc monthly which he reads and then determines my dosage. I see my hematologist every six months. My platelets are now vary between 300 - 600. I am also on a daily aspirin and get Prolia every six months. I’ve been on Prolia for 4 or 5 years. Prolia has been great with no side effects compared to Fosamax which made me feel the worst I’ve ever been in my entire life. Yes, i sometimes feel tired, achy or upset stomach from the Hydroxy or lactose intolerant. All of that is minor compared to blood clots or a stroke. I bike, exercise, play with my grandchildren, go on visits with my therapy dog , ride my horse and spend time with friends. Off to the Netherlands to do a bike and barge trip so blood cancer and the side effects is just part of my life now.

Jump to this post

@starbucks

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! You're an inspiration to us all.

Wishing you a WONDERFUL trip!

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.