Advil and hydroxyurea

[Petsch]

Hydroxyurea

Does anyone know if it’s ok to take Advil when on hydroxyurea for an occasional headache or backache

[katiewalsh]

Hi, I think you should contact your doctor or nurse to get an answer. I can’t take it but not because of the hydroxyurea but because of the blood thinners I’m on. But you may have health conditions or other meds that make it unsafe to take. If your doc says not to take it, ask if you can take acetaminophen. Good luck. Katie

[Bridie123]

if you doubt anything, you should always consult with your doctor.

[Ebot in reply to Bridie123]

Yes Advil is a run of the mill pain reliever but i believe it contains ibuprofen and therefore may not be advisable for someone with an MPN on a blood thinner. As you say, always check with your consultant.

[Bridie123 in reply to Ebot]

Your right, I won't take anything apart from paracetamol.

[Ebot]

I understand that Advil is an NSAID and contains Ibuprofen. I’d therefore be wary of taking it. I’ve been advised that if you take daily aspirin you should not take pain relief containing ibuprofen. I only take paracetamol. I would definitely check with your haematologist.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Petsch, always best to ask a pharmacist, they can easily check for you, or you can ask your haematologist or nurse specialist. If you are taking aspirin it can interact with NSAIDS - Ibuprofen. Maz

[Lifam]

Yes I agree with Mazcd totally

[hunter5582]

Per ePocrates - no significant interaction between HU and Advil. I would be concerned about hepatotoxicity with long-term use.

If you are also taking aspirin - that is a different story. See below from ePocrates.

Avoid/Use Alternative

Advil (ibuprofen) + aspirin (generic)

Avoid/Use Alternative

ibuprofen + aspirin

avoid combo w/ aspirin >325 mg/day; give ibuprofen dose >400 mg 8h before or at least 2-4h after low-dose aspirin ER; caution advised w/ other low-dose aspirin: combo may incr. risk of GI bleeding, adverse effects; ibuprofen may inhibit cardioprotective effect of low-dose aspirin (additive effects; possible competition for platelet binding sites).

As always best to check with a doc or pharmacist if you have questions.

[Bippers]

Petsch - I took Hydroxuria from 2004 through 2011. When needed, I took Advil, Tylenol or Aleve. I didn't think to ask my oncologist if it was OK. I did not experience any type of ill effects on any of the pain relievers.

I've noticed other replies mentioning to check with your doctor. I think that is a good idea, just to be sure.

Take care and the best of luck and health to you....Bippers