ET

[dgk70]

Hi friends, I was diagnosed with ET about six months ago and my platelets were 1250. I was started on 500mg hydroxycarbamide and 75mg aspirin a day, after six weeks I was put onto 2 x500 mg hydroxycarbamide and 75mg aspirin a day which took my platelets down to around 400. On my recent checkup, my white blood cell count had dropped and my platelets have gone up to 650 so I've now been put onto 2 x 500mg every week day and 3x 500mg on the weekend, the aspirin stays the same. I was wondering if any one else is on this dose and if so are you having any side effects as I'm about to start my higher dose this weekend.

Thanks

Darren

[Reggieroo]

Hi Darren, I have been on Hydroxycarbamide for over four years. Initially on 1x500mg a day plus 75mg aspirin. Over the years the dose has been increased to 2x500mg every day as my platelet levels have risen with every test. Luckily I don’t seem to have experienced any side effects to date. I hope increasing your daily intake doesn’t trigger any side effects.

[Stevesmum42]

Hi Darren . I have had ET for 5years, my platelets were pretty good for a couple of years, but have been rising steadily for the last 18 months now at 882, I also was on 2 caps per day, so Heamo increased them six weeks ago to an extra 1 per week. I have just got home from the hospital platelets up again. So now I am to take the same dose as you ie 2 five days and 3 for two days, my problem is low iron. Which causes me lots of fatigue , breathlessness and dizziness. To counteract that he has prescribed ferrous sulphate. This is certainly not for everyone, as some people can’t tolerate it.

So the answer to your question is . No . Apart from the above ( which should be helped with the iron ) I’m fine . From reading this wonderful forum over the years it’s amazing how people react in different ways to various medication. I hope the extra dose doesn’t cause you any problems.

Best wishes Sandy