Hydroxy timing question

[WileyFrench]

Hi everyone - my haemo has asked me to take one pill one day, and two the next - alternating like that from now on. I think many of you also do that kind of thing. My question is: on my “two pill day” can I take them both at once or do I have to take one at morning and one at night? And if so, any idea what’s the reason for that? Thanks for your great insight as always.

[piggie50]

I take 2 on one day per week and my heam said to take them together and that’s what is says on the name label on my box. I didn’t ask why as it’s easier to take together. I’ve been doing this for 5 years.

[WileyFrench in reply to piggie50]

Thanks a lot - that would seem to be much easier indeed!

[janwh]

I have to take two on Saturday and on Sunday - I’ve always taken them

together and have never had any problems.

[WileyFrench in reply to janwh]

Thanks a lot - this seems like the way to do it!

[gemneye]

I take three one day then two next day

seven days a week

Each day I take them all at once with lots of water

I used to take in the morning for 10 years but now I take em right before I go to sleep for the last three years

Hope I made sense

it’s been a very foggy moments this week for me

[Windy51 in reply to gemneye]

Hi gemneye do you find taking Hydrea at night is better

[WileyFrench]

It makes perfect sense! Thank you, and I really hope the fog clears for you very soon.

[Peter18]

I started by taking the double dose with one capsule AM and the second 12 hours later, reasoning it would be gentler on my system. My super haemo nurse advised me to take them both together in the evening. This seems to be more successful. Best wishes, Peter

[WileyFrench in reply to Peter18]

Thanks Peter. That sounds sensible to me and I shall do this!

[Ebot]

We should have had vote buttons! I too asked about the double dose and was told to just take them together as normal. I also take mine in the evening.

[WileyFrench in reply to Ebot]

Vote buttons - what a good idea!😉

[tracey1003]

I take mine at night as well I always take them at night otherwise my spleen gets a bit iffy. Good luck Ben on it for ages no problems

[WileyFrench in reply to tracey1003]

Thanks a lot, Tracey. It’s so comforting when I hear someone say they’ve been taking it for ages with no problems. I haven’t had any side effects either but I was worried that might change with a dosage increase. But my haemo says he treats sickle cell anemia children with at least double the dose I take and they’re side effect-free.

[tracey1003 in reply to WileyFrench]

Also I find if you do increase your dosage make sure you have it with food so doesn’t effect your spleen. Take care

[Richinspirit]

Hi - likewise all the other comments ..... hubby takes 3 twice a day and t2 daily for five days, he always takes the dose at the same time and altogether. Just keep drinking the water - it is really essential for dispersal and safe liver and kidneys etc. Good luck xx

[WileyFrench in reply to Richinspirit]

Thanks for this. And good reminder about the water. I aim for at least 1.5 litres per day for exactly the reasons you say.

[Wyebird]

I take mine both at night because they do take you tired but it’s up to you and what suits you best x

[WileyFrench in reply to Wyebird]

Thanks Wyebird. You seem to do what everyone else is doing so I’m going to follow the “in crowd” and do it too!

[Swede]

I took mine once a day but my stomach never liked it. Now I take one in the morning and one in the evening. Actually, that is a lie, as I just been told to take one a day....but when I did take two a day it was true!

[WileyFrench in reply to Swede]

That seems like a piece of good news - to reduce your dosage!

[Superwoman]

Yes when I have to take two on Saturday and a Sunday, I take together always have done, just make sure you swig them down with lots of water.

Jean

[WileyFrench in reply to Superwoman]

And that is now my plan! Thank you Jean.

[nivana]

I take 2 three days a week and I always take them together

[WileyFrench in reply to nivana]

This is definitely appearing to be the majority. Thanks very much.

[Mujer]

I used to take 1 morning and evening but was just so fatigued in the day. My haemotologist suggested I take them (now 3) in the evening and sleep off the worst of the fatigue. It has certainly made a difference for me.

[WileyFrench in reply to Mujer]

I don’t get the fatigue but I’m going to go this same route too. Thanks a lot!

[Grumpyfairy]

Hi I take one a day in the week and two Saturdays and sundays together, but I take them first thing in the morning, have often wondered whether taking them later in the day would be better. Can I ask you all have you changed to evenings for a specific reason, and is it actual bedtime you take them? Jackie

[WileyFrench in reply to Grumpyfairy]

Some people mention that the meds produce fatigue so they take them at night before bed. I’ve been taking mine in the morning, but I don’t seem to suffer from the fatigue that some do.

[Grumpyfairy]

Thanks Wiley I may try it, I do get tired but think that could be the disorder itself. Jackie

[katiewalsh]

Hi. I also take mine at the same time but I’d suggest you drink 2 liters of non-caffeinated liquids daily. That seems to be what we’ve all been advised. If that much water is hard for you, drink decaf tea, etc for some. Although there are small amounts of caffeine in decaf, the amounts are small. Also water flavored with lime, lemon, cucumbers, berries help some folks. I can’t believe how far you’ve come. I remember not that long ago you were so very concerned about taking Hydroxyurea. Be well. Katie

[WileyFrench]

Thanks Katie. You have a good memory! Yes I was pretty anxious about the medication - about the whole thing. Frankly I still wish it would all just go away (😉), but it’s been this forum, and people like you on it, that have made the difference. The practical advice (and I’m definitely drinking the water as you advise), and the support have been invaluable.

[Bridie123]

Hi, I am on that regime and take the two together making sure to drink more water.☺

[WileyFrench]

Thanks Bridie. Have you been on the 1-then-2 regime a while? And out of curiosity did you notice any change in side effects if you started at a lower dose and then moved to this one?