Does Hydroxycarbamide make it take longer for you to recover from an infection?

[JaK2ET]

Hi everyone! I'm new on this site and I'm interested in learning about the experiences of people with Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET). I was diagnosed with Janus Kinase 2 (JaK2)-positive ET about a year ago but only started on oral chemotherapy with Hydroxycarbamide (Hydroxyurea) a few weeks ago, as my platelet count had reached levels around 900 (per nanolitre I think this means). Unfortunately, while out and about attending one of my numerous medical appointments etc I seem to have picked up a bad cold. Does anyone here with more extended experience of this chemotherapy have a sense that it causes you to take longer to recover from an infection?

Many thanks for any responses.

[Applesnpears]

Hydroxycarbamide can reduce the number of white blood cells and make you more vulnerable to get an infection. Lower white blood cell counts will also make it harder to fight off an infection.

You should contact your haematologist to ask for advice as you've picked up an infection so soon after started hydroxycarbamide. Some further tests might be needed.

[Osteomyelio]

Good question. Has your immunologist checked you IGG levels? Are you on IV IGG?

[katiewalsh]

Hi

I’ve been on HU about 6-7 years. I caught a wicked respiratory infection at a doctors office a few years ago, a serious respiratory flu on a plane in May other things. I catch things my husband doesn’t catch (like the flu on the plane & less serious illnesses). Although a few folks have said their immune fighting cells aren’t lower on HU, I think most of us have found ourselves more susceptible to catching illnesses and more difficulty getting over them. And this also affects how well we heal from physical injuries as well. And I, among some others, have an immune deficiency separate from my cancer which makes it worse. Try and avoid being around sick people, if they’re at a doctors office ask them to put on a mask or ask the staff to ask if you’re uncomfortable asking, wash your hands often, carry hand sanitizers & wash well immediately after returning home. They recommend washing your wrists as well as your hands. And be sure not to touch your eyes or mouth unless at home with clean hands. I wear a cotton face mask at doctors offices now & in other places where people might be sick. Hope you recover soon.

[Jlah]

Hi. I have found it more difficult to recover from low level bugs and infections - in fact I tend to have thrush in my body permanently since being on hydroxycarbomide- working on changing my eating habits to help but finding the discipline quite hard! All the best. Jacquie

[jillydabrat]

Unfortunately, yes it does take longer for infections to clear up. I avoid anybody who has a cough or cold and I ask them to stay away if they are ill. It is one of the negatives of Hydroxycarbomide because it is an immunosuppressant but the positives of the drug far out way the negatives.

[linphy]

I have ET Jak2 I was diagnosed 2017, I am on hydroxycarbamide, clopidogrel . 3 weeks ago I had my normal check up with my consultant, he was happy and said he'll see in in 4 months. The next day I felt awful, went to work, came home lunchtime not feeling well. Took myself off to bed, when my husband got home he said I looked terrible. Checked my temperature 38.1, phoned oncology helpline. To cut a long story short I was in hospital for 4 days with an infection, I am now starting to feel better, antibotics finished. Because of hospital admittance I had to see consultant Friday (not my usual consultant) My CRP levels have come right down, when I was admitted they were 91 now down to 6, I do have a sore throat but I'm feeling better. I normally find I have a couple of admittance to hospital a year.

[Mostew]

Maybe take high dose vitamin c to help immune system ( after checking with professional)?