I’m in my mid 40’s and just diagnosed with polycythemia Vera. I’m nervous about starting Hydrea and would love to hear what to really expect. I enjoy the outdoors so I’m really worried about sun exposure with more sensitive skin caused by hydrea.
Any feedback is appreciated!
I was diagnosed with PV at 39 and have had it almost 4 years. I am on Besremi and happy with it. I wanted it as it had potential to stop progression. I think as a young person you need to talk with a MPN specialist and discuss at least trying interferon first before HU. Hunter on this site has so many good posts on this subject. Wish you the best of luck! This site is the best! Everyone is so helpful!
I took Hydrea for about 30 years with no side effects. My dose increased over the years and was up to 4 pills a day. That made me moderately anemic. I then mutated from ET to MF and am on Jakafi instead. I did get skin cancer on the edge of an ear which was removed with no problems.
I took Hydrea for about 5 years. In the end, it didn't do much for my PV and also caused skin ulcers. I'm now on Ruxolitinib.
Been on it for some years. I take it with food. I still spend plenty of it in the sun. Its done some damage to the skin on my arms because i forget to put sunscreen on.
Hi. I’ve been on it 10 years without any problems. I did have one skin cancer on my chest but don’t know it’s related to that drug as opposed to being in my 70’s with a lot of sun exposure when I was young. I do try to be careful about the sun now. Katie
vegetarian with pv 
Update 7.0