HU and trigger finger

[digijools]

Hi everyone,

I am so glad my specialist recommended this group 4 years ago when i was diagnosed. You all have helped me so much.

I started on HU about 6 mos ago and now am developing trigger fingers in both my hands, middle fingers. I had this before with post partum thyroiditis 15 years ago. I had my thyroid checked and so far nothing. Could it be HU related?

No other real side effects to report.

Thanks in advance!

[hunter5582]

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the listed side effects of HU, which may or may not be what you are experiencing. If so, this is a rare but serious adverse reaction to HU.

The WebMD site had one person who reported this same potential side effect webmd.com/drugs/drugreview-... . Perhaps this is a side effect that is so rare that it is just not reported. However, joint pain is listed by some sources as a potential side effect of HU mayoclinic.org/drugs-supple... .

If you are JAK2 positive, it would also be possible that this is inflammation related to the increased load of inflammatory cytokines you may be experiencing. HU does nothing to reduce this since that is not how it works.

I would definitely follow up on this. Per the NIH, HU is a "highly toxic medication with a low therapeutic index." While some people tolerate it without issues, it is pretty common to experience evidence of toxicity at therapeutic doses. Your prescriber needs to be aware of the potential toxicity you are experiencing. There are other options if HU won't work for you.

[digijools]

Thanks hunter5582