Dizziness when starting HU

[Ridenez]

Hello MPN community. I am 83 years young and have PV being diagnosed about a year ago.I am Jak2+ and just recently started HU. My MPN specialist precribed 1000mg 7 days a week.I decided to take only 500mg a day to acclimate to the drug.I am 4 days in and the only thing I am experiencing is some dizziness about 3 hrs after taking a dose.is this a normal side effect and will my body adjust?Any reply’s appreciated.Thank you.

[hunter5582]

Dizziness is one of the known side effects of hydroxyurea. It may or may not pass as your body adjusts to the medication.

"Hydroxyurea oral capsule can cause dizziness and drowsiness during the first few hours after you take it. These side effects are more likely to happen when you start treatment or when your doctor increases your dosage. This drug can also cause other side effects."healthline.com/health/hydro...

Always let your doc know when you encounter side effects. The side effects do tend to be worse at higher doses. Hopefully your doc is following the protocol to monitor your blood labs every two weeks as you begin the chemotherapy. This should give you a chance to interact with the doc and relay what you are experiencing.

[Ridenez in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks Hunter.Yes am on 2 week protocol.

[Ovingite]

Hi Ridinez,As Hunter says, dizziness is a common side effect of HU. I have been on them for nearly 4 years and went through periods of disorientation and dizziness, but I'm pleased to say they my body has gradually learned to cope with it and I no longer have those symptoms.

A tip that many of us HU junkies use is to take the tablets just before bedtime so that we can sleep through any initial side effects. It might be worth trying.

Staying well hydrated is also very important when taking HU. I aim to drink at least 2 litres of water per day, more if the weather is very hot (but that seems like a distant dream right now.....)

Stay safe and I hope you find a solution that works for you soon

John