Taken off Hydrea effects

[vegas22]

Hi all. I was hoping there might be someone out there that might be in the same position. I was on Hydrea for over two years. In the last six months I was also placed on Interferon. First a small amount and now the full the injection. My Hematologist is happy with my results and has taken me off Hydrea. It has only been 7 days but feeling very fatigue and can't sleep.. Could this a withdrawal symptoms? Thank you

[Aldebaran25]

You pose an interesting question. I don't have the answer but am following as I'm on HU myself and planning later on this year to move to interferon, wondering how that will work.

[MPNBlog]

Hi vegas22. Fatigue is a well known side effect of Pegasys. But it's interesting you didn't have it for the 6 months while you tapered on to it. You say you are on the full injection - do you mean 135ugm weekly? I can't tolerate more than 45 ug. And after 18 months I am now taking it every 3 weeks in an attempt to reduce the fatigue side effects. If your bloods stay stable perhaps you can try reducing the dose or the interval between injections to reduce the fatigue. Hope that helps. Best wishes.

[lucieboo]

Hello vegas22. Hydrea stopped working for me. I am now taking Jakavi. If it is of interest, it is taking some time to establish the right dose and I also get very tired some days. I think you need to talk to your haematologist as I have no experience with Interferon, but the body takes time to adjust to new meds. Good luck.

[hunter5582]

I have not heard of hydroxyurea withdrawal symptoms per se. It takes about 7-10 days for the HU to clear you system and for your body to begin to return to baseline. If the titration off HU was accompanied by an increase in PEG, then I would be a bit more suspicious of the PEG as it can cause both fatigue and insomnia. Adverse effects can be dose dependent. We are each different in how we respond and our tolerances vary. I am on 45mcg, which is the right dose for me., at least for now. I have not had any adverse effects and am benefitting.

I would suggest giving it some time for the HU to fully exit your system since it also causes fatigue. It may be that having both drugs' in your system is potentiating the effects. It may also be that you will need a dose adjustment of the PEG. I am sure you can work with your doc to get this sorted out.

All the best.

[Helpatlast]

Hello yes Peg can cause tiredness and also have sleep adverse effects for some - I was on Hydroxy for 12 years and had to change to Peg when HU no longer worked for me and like you had both for six months - but the Peg tiredness for me started straight away and to be honest couple years on I still have to deal with it and the insomnia effects but keeping on 45 mg dose is needed for me, anything higher does make me pretty rough - but that's me and the effects of interferon is really individual to each person so it will be see how it goes for you - and no I didn't have any withdrawal probs from HU altho it had been hardgoing the six months I was on both. Keep your consultant well posted as dosage does make a big difference with interferon and also many in due course just inject 3 or 4 weeks apart which helps with side effects. All the best keep us posted

[Meatloaf9 in reply to Helpatlast]

Hi Helpatlast, I noticed you took HU for 12 years. I have just started on HU for PV. Could you tell me when you were on HU did you take more than one cap per day and if you did, did you take them at the same time (only once per day), or did you split them and take twice a day. I take 2 per day, one in the morning and one at night, would like to take them both at one time. Also, did you take them with food or on an empty stomach and what time of the day you took them. Best to you on the interferon, hope the symptoms improve for you.

[Helpatlast in reply to Meatloaf9]

Hello Meatloaf yes I used to take 2-4 capsules a day over the years - and yes I took them at the same time, took them in the morning and just before breakfast. I don't think there is any better time of day recommended though for it to be taken, just personal preference. Good thing to know is keep up good routine of drinking water, may be more than someone would usually, have a bottle on hand and keep sipping through the day, water intake helps with Hydroxy and it's effects. All the best

[Meatloaf9 in reply to Helpatlast]

Thanks for your reply. I think I will start taking them at the same time, would be much easier. Best of luck to you.