Hydrea!

I have a quick question, as Hydrea decreases platelets number, does this encourage bone marrow to produce more platelets?

[mhos61]

Hello Ammaro,

I take hydrea and it has been successful in lowering (suppressing) my platelet count.

In answer to your question, I am not a medical professional - but this is the way I understand it.

Hydrea is a myelosuppressive drug. Its aim is to target the bone marrow where your platelets are actually formed. Therefore, if you respond successfully to hydrea your bone marrow shouldn't as you have asked, produce more platelets - but rather the opposite.

Hope that males sense

Mary x

[katiewalsh]

Hi Ammaro,

My understanding is the same as Mary's.

Katie

[Hilarya]

Yes I agree with the others. It's my understanding too.

[Hidden]

good. but why is it lowering white blood count too..be careful of that too.

[mhos61]

Because all cells are made in the bone marrow the Hydrea can initially affect white/red cells too.

It is just a matter of adjusting the dose of Hydrea to bring the platelets down without affecting the other cells too much. I see by your original post your Consultant has already reduced the dose of Hydrea in response to this. I think you are in good hands.

Your blood counts should eventually level out to an acceptable level.

Mary x

[Inca]

My platelets have dropped way below normal, just had Hydrea reduced,but I know that next bloods in a month H C T will have shot up...this happens frequently....I feel I am between the devil and the deep.This time tho my legs are like water,I am tiring more quickly too.....what is the answer,wish some genius med person could find it!!Keep going every one !

[Pkm52 in reply to Inca]

We all metabolize drugs based on our genetic code. Ask your Dr. If you could try other dosing regimens i.e. every other day or weekend's only.

Also you could call your nearest or most renown cancer center and talk to an Oncology Pharmacist. They are the ones that see the variations in dosing strategies. Pharmacists love to consult with patients.

Good luck Inca.

Patty

[Inca in reply to Pkm52]

Hi Patty,I live most of the year in France....treated very well,tho all is totally different to U K,all co -ordinated between my G P and consultant,no grumbles really,I have full blood tests every month,every thing checked every month,no 10 mins with a Dr or Specialist here ,a rendezvous takes as long as necessary.

Thanks for your advice tho,it's heartening to know others bother to help.

Good Luck to you too on your M P N journey!Best wishes Sally

[mhos61]

Hi Sally,

Oh dear, it does sound like you're going through a rough time of it at the moment. Hope you're haematology team can come up with something to improve your quality of life.

Mary x

[Inca in reply to mhos61]

Thanks Mary,They do their best,ours is such an up and down maladie,I actually have more energy today with lower Hydrea dose...now it is a wait and see!

Sallyxx

[tracey13]

My husband is on this medication. Since starting it his platelets have come down and the hydroxy has slowed his bone marrow down so he's having about 4 veenesections a year.

Before starting this medication he was having monthly veenesections .