Immunosuppressive?

[DH65]

Hi Everyone, after a mild first time shingles outbreak my dentist is hoping I'm not immunosuppressed. I'm ET jak2+ on HU 500 mg 3x wk

Is our immune system suppressed? My heme had said once that HU suppressed the bone marrow. Is that correct and are they the same thing? Now of course I'll worry about this.

[katiewalsh]

Hi. My understanding is that the Hydroxy does suppress our immune system. But Maz and others may know more. You should know that you can get repeated flare ups of shingles once you've caught the virus. But not everyone does. Getting on proper medication immediately should limit the duration and severity. Don't get a shingles shot though as it's a live vaccination which we must avoid. Good Luck. I'm glad it was mild.

Katie

[DH65 in reply to katiewalsh]

Thank you, I didn't know that about the live vaccine. I am on antivirals which help.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

A common side effect which may affect up to 1 in 10 people) is that HU decreases the number of blood cells (suppressed bone marrow function) especially white blood cells (leukopenia), enlarged immature red blood cells (megaloblastosis).