Should I take Hydrea for 7 days?

[Hazelnut2020]

I was diagnosed with ET in 2003, took Hydrea for 3 months and was able to go without any medication since then other then a baby aspirin a day. I took a blood test 4 days ago and all seems fine and doc ordered another blood work in 6 months. However, I went to ER today for high bp and they took another cbc and this time , my hemoglobin, hemotocrit, RBC snd platelets shot up. I was prescribed a week of Hydrea but am reluctant to take it. My hematologist is on vacation till next week. Meanwhile I am in a dilemma, do I just take an aspirin a day and not take Hydrea till I get another blood work next week or take the Hydrea? I really need to hear from my regular hematologist. Needless to say, I am worried and all the crying doesnt help with the headaches. I wonder if my elevated blood pressure is due to the increased hemoglobin and RBC..

Any advice from the anyone would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and hope everyone is well

[Hitchc0tt5]

Hazelnut - please see my reply to you comment on my earlier post.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hello Hazelnut, I am so sorry that you are in this position, but we can't advise you on whether or not to take the hydrea, and I appreciate that your regular haematologist is away, but you do need to ask a doctor for advice on this. Best wishes, Maz

[Otterfield]

If the Hydroxycarbamide has been prescribed by a haematologist, even if not your own, I would be inclined to follow the advice.

[Hazelnut2020]

Thank you all for your response. Appreciate it.

[hunter5582]

A significant elevation in RBCs could raise blood pressure by increasing the viscosity of your blood. A consistent HCT > 49% MALE / 48% FEMALE, would be a reason to review your diagnosis. If the doc really thought this was PV, then most likely would have recommended a therapeutic phlebotomy. If the doc is thinking the elevation in platelets was reactive thrombocytosis, then would likely treat the underlying condition causing the elevation. Note that inflammation, injury, illness can all increase platelet levels.

None of us are qualified to tell you what to do in this situation, Perhaps there is an on-call hematologist covering for your doc with whom you can consult. While your concern about going back on HU is understandable, it is very unlikely that being on it for a week will cause a problem unless you have a history of significant adverse effects. HU is the fastest acting of the cytoreductive meds and does provide some protection from microvascular symptoms.

Hopefully you can review your options when your regular hematologist gets back. Also hope that this doc is a MPN Specialist. Until then, you will just have to use your best judgement and make a decision based on the facts before you. Know that you will be supported here on this forum

All the best.

[Hazelnut2020 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you so much Hunter5582 for your reply and support. The hematologist on call finally got the chance to call me last night. He strongly advised me take Hydrea for a week and then follow up with my regular hematologist . I decided to give it a try. Headache is still there but could be from a whole night of crying.I feel better this morning after reading posts from others with similar situation. Will stay positive.

Thanks again for the support.

[Hazelnut2020 in reply to hunter5582]

Also, is good to know that “HU is the fastest acting of the cytoreductive meds and does provide some protection from microvascular symptoms.”

[Scrollernut]

Like everyone else I am in no way qualified to give medical advice only personal experience. I’ve been on 500 mg of Hydrea going in two years (already!!!). Took it every day for 3 months, counts went down so went to every other day, counts went down and on every three days now for about 6 months…counts staying normal. All that to say Hydrea can help regulate a vacillating count.

I certainly appreciate your concern. While I am not a fan of taking meds unless absolutely necessary I wouldn’t hesitate a ‘safe’ Med that is known to be helpful for just a week especially from a specialist in my field of need. Wouldn’t take it necessarily from just any doctor that had no idea what it was for only thru hear say.

Good luck and keep in touch.

[Hazelnut2020]

Thank you so much for your response scrollernut. It is good to hear that your doses kept reducing and your numbers are back to normal.My blood pressure has gone back to normal. Don’t know if Hydrea works immediately or not. Been taking it for 2 days now. Was having headaches past 2 days and I woke up feeling great today.

All the best to you and hopefully you can stop taking the med now.

[EPguy in reply to Hazelnut2020]

You didn't say how much HU the Dr prescribed. If your BP is ok now you might discuss with the Dr about how much dose you actually need.

[Hazelnut2020]

500mg , one a day. Hopefully blood pressure stays normal. Will discuss with doc on Nov 8th.Is it only food high in iron that we should avoid?