Connect
Side effects w/ Zepbound and Hydroxyurea? Dx Essential thrombocythemia
I have round the clock burping, mild nausea, insomnia. Started HU Nov 2025. I have been on Zepbound since summer 2025. But now experience sour, chronic nausea (not vomiting ,but def no appetite, and spend all day self medicating with Tums, Dramamine, Pepto Bismol, Unisom and Melatonin. My onc. referred me to acupuncture.
Is it dangerous for me to be on ZB and HU? Almost to my goal weight but maybe this is all from the HU? My blood levels are now perfect so will be on HU forever.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.
Connect
I'm so sorry for what you are experiencing, kae89.
It's great HU has lowered your platelet count so quickly!
I'm wondering if HU might be causing constipation for you, as it does for me.
Have you tried upping the fiber in your diet? Do you like yogurt, which can benefit our GI systems? Are you drinking LOTS of water? I try for a half gallon every day.
Do you like walking, biking -- anything you'd enjoy doing every day?
Hope others will chime in with their suggestions. Please let us know if acupuncture helps you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsYou could try asking your hematologist about possible drug interactions; however, I've found it's easier/faster to sit down with your pharmacist and review all your meds for possible interactions and side effects. My pharmacist did this for me and worked out a dosage schedule to make sure I wasn't creating interaction issues. Most will do this if you ask.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 Reactions@janemc yes, on constipation but deal with that using Mirafiber gummies, which taste very good and occasional laxative). I definitely need to drink more water.( I still drink one regular Coke a day for energy…but know that water should take it’s place) I love yogurt but only the flavored Yoplait whips like coconut cream and their regular line too. I’m not sedentary at all…can’t due to hip replacement a few years ago. Mostly yardwork, landscaping. I still feel tired at times but always push on with my day. I care for my own cats and a two feral outside so I’m up and down all day long. I have decided though to quit the Zepbound for now, as I am only 15 lbs away from my goal weight. I The chronic insomnia is what troubles me most. I checked drug interactions and didn’t get any matches for the constant day through night quiet burping and insomnia. The acupuncture group which is tied to my cancer center also has yoga classes which may help. I also learned that HU alone can cause anorexia. I’ve noticed my diet is mostly protein drinks, fruit, creamy sauces rather than anything acidic. Really have to force myself to eat meat or any dense food.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@debhammel yes I agree my pharmacist is more likely to have the most updated interactions for drugs, especially since Zepbound (tirzepatide) is fairly new to the market. Thank you so much for posting.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@kae89
All that physical activity is awesome! And from another animal lover, warmest thanks for taking care of all the cats.
You're being careful with your diet, so the relentless GI symptoms must be really frustrating.
And you must be so worn out.
Here's hoping acupuncture can help; yoga sounds promising too.
But if not -- has a doctor ever suggested a prescription to help you sleep? Believe it or not, there are safe, non habit-forming medications available.
How do I know that? Because I take one from time to time. I'm so glad to have that option.
ET already steals our energy. You really, really need your rest.