Weight gain on hydroxycarbamide

[poly2]

Has anyone put a lot of weight on with hydroxycarbamide. I've been on it for 2 years and put nearly a stone on. I don't really eat a great deal and still excersising even though shielding. Was considering changing to interferon to see if its the medication thats causing the weight gain. Any advice appreciated. Thanks

[WileyFrench]

I’ve been taking hydroxy for a couple of years now and my weight is basically the same. I do exercise regularly and I watch what I eat - but I always have.

[SuET2017]

No quite the opposite. I was so nauseous on hydroxy I lost weight! I’m in Peg Interferon now and weight back to normal.

[Snagglepus]

Yes. I have put on over a stone since being on HU!

[Kari1961]

I have put on weight since starting Hydroxy in December 2019. But I don't think it is to blame - Just after starting it, it was Christmas/New Year (a typical time of year for weight gain) and then shortly after, lockdown and shielding started. I definitely haven't exercised as much as I used to, and I am eating more. Simply because now I am relying on shopping deliveries... I have to book regular spots to get anything delivered and then have to spend over £40. Before shielding I used to get home delivery fortnightly and buy fruit and veg when needed. Now I get home delivery weekly and I don't like throwing food away.

[poly2 in reply to Kari1961]

Yes i think you are all right. Maybe i have eaten a little more since shielding having the odd snack or two and obviously since shielding not up and about as much as being at work. I am trying to go for small walks now and have been going on exercise bike. Some days i struggle to even get out of bed due to the fatigue and aching bones. Haemotoligist suggested changing hydroxy for interferon but not sure if side effects may be worse. Thank you all for the replies.

[hunter5582 in reply to poly2]

All of the meds used for MPNs have their own risk/benefit profile. HU is a toxin and signs of toxicity at therapeutic doses are common due to its low therapeutic index. I would certainy consider a switch to one of the PEGylated interferons if you are having issues. I am HU-intolerant and did have to discontinue. The adverse effects usually, but not always, resolve once you discontinue the HU. Hope you get this all sorted out ASAP.

[poly2 in reply to hunter5582]

Hi hunter. Thanks for that. My haematologist has suggested changing to interferon due to the fatigue and mouth sores as well as itchy hands and feet but I'm also aware it is down to the pv as well. I have read though that it can interfere with thyroxine and the warfarin that I'm also taking. I do tend not to drink a lot of water either so having read some of the comments it could be down to fluid retention so I'm off to drink another pint. Thanks again.

[hunter5582 in reply to poly2]

I did double check for interactions between Pegasys and warfarin and levothyroxine. Here is what I found on ePocrates.

Pegasys (peginterferon alfa 2a) + warfarin (generic)

Monitor/Modify Tx

peginterferon alfa 2a + warfarin

monitor INR: combo may incr. warfarin levels, risk of bleeding, other adverse effects (hepatic metab. inhibited)

Additional Considerations

peginterferon alfa 2a in Pegasys

when used to treat HCV, caution advised w/ narrow therapeutic index drugs extensively metabolized in the liver; viral eradication may improve hepatic metabolic function, decr. levels, efficacy of concomitant drugs.

So the short version is that PEGylated Interferon can potentiate medications metabolized in the liver. That may require dosing adjustments to reduce potential side effects. Given that you are showing signs of HU toxicity, switching still seems like a reasonable thing to consider. PEGylated interferon is also more likely to help with the constitutional symptoms of PV as I understand it.

Hope you get it all sorted out soon.

[poly2 in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks for that. I will give it some serious thought. I'm not due to see haematologist for another 2 months and by then I will be back at work so I will see how i get on and perhaps speak to haematologist about the interferon at my next appointment. Thanks for the info. Take care

[Ebot]

Hi there

I put on a bit of weight in the past few years but I honestly don’t think it was down to the Hydroxy. More likely a combination of age, fatigue etc. I was always slim and the extra weight was by no means excessive but was on an ever upwards trajectory!! Have now set about losing it!