Best time to take Hydroxy....?

[Eadaoin]

Am starting 500mg Hydroxycarbamide next week to prepare for a heart operation early February. When is the best time of day to take it?

[Pkm52]

If I wasn’t having “brain fog” I could provide more detailed information. My husband is a Sleep Medicine Specialist. After the annual meeting in June he told me that a Nobel laureate’s work was the timing of chemo administration with the daily body clock. Near bedtime or when we’re asleep multiple systems are “offline” and less vulnerable to cellular injury from chemo. If sleep is of poor quality due to congestion or obstructive sleep apnea it might be good to address. It might keep some of our healthy cells out of harms way.

I know I have simplified the important research because I haven’t talked about it for months. My husband is at work so I can’t elaborate but will get more information when he arrives home. It might be easy to find using your computer’s search engine. It must be in the Hematology journals.

It is a good question for our hematologists. It’s much easier for them to do specific literature searches especially if they work for institutions vs. solo practices. I take my 800mg. of Hydroxyurea before I go to bed. I am rooting to spare as many healthy cells as possible but am really rooting for my hair follicles.

I will watch to see if anyone out there has more information. Good luck.

[jointpain in reply to Pkm52]

Hi, I see you take 800mg a day of Hydroxy. Do you get the capsules specially made up to 800mg or are they widely available now?

[Eadaoin in reply to jointpain]

No I am starting 500mg for 4 weeks to prepare for an operation where they will be trying to extract a pacemaker wire which has moved and is “poking out through your heart” as I was told on the phone by the Consultant! Have had the pm for 10 yrs and there is concern the lead has become embedded in the vein. An unusual and very risky operation. So improving the condition of my blood is vital. Will stay on Hydroxy for some weeks post op.

[Kelly2 in reply to Pkm52]

Hi I read the subject but they are still researching and doing trials. What worries me about taking the drug at night is that usually I eat less in the evenings and then the drug will be in the stomach and the system without drinking water all night long. How safe is this for the stomach. On the other hand I desperately want to save my hair as I already have lost a lot in the last 2 months that I started Hydro and I use minoxidil. The doctor when I asked said take it whatever time you want.

[Eadaoin]

Thank you so much. I will try some googling! I think it is important to know the best time for all the reasons you have said. Txs again.

[WileyFrench]

Hi - I take mine in the morning, first thing, with lots of water. I asked my haemo about timing and he said it really didn't matter - just to be consistent. Some people say they take it before bedtime because they find it makes them tired; I don't find that, so I take mine when I get up and then just go about my day. Hope this helps.

[Eadaoin in reply to WileyFrench]

Txs WileyFrench. It all helps me decide the best way to go. Have had side effects before and want to lessen these if possible.

[dscotese]

I noticed that Hu made me tired and a little depressed, so I take mine before I go to bed so I can sleep through the brunt of it. I think the best way to decide when to take it is to try different times and see what works best for you.

[Chris3875]

Hi Eadaoin, I have always taken my at night too, after dinner which allows it to settle and I can sleep away any possible side effects at least that is my theory. I've never had any issues with Hu even though I am up to 3-4 tablets a day.

[Eadaoin in reply to Chris3875]

What is your dose? I was on Hu many years ago and remember having side effects. You sound like you don’t always sleep them away. ☹️ But I like your positive note. Txs

[francesb]

I always take mine last thing at night. Best wishes.

[Eadaoin in reply to francesb]

Very helpful. Thanks

[Ebot]

Probably best at a time you won’t forget to take it! My haem said it didn’t matter when. However, I take mine at night.

[Eadaoin in reply to Ebot]

Txs. I think that’s what I will try.