Hydroxyurea and aspirin.

[shiela23]

Who else taking hydroxyurea and aspiriN for treatment et? Is it safe taking both.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hello Shiela23, yes many people take both. I take Hydroxycarbamide plus 75mg aspirin every day, and have been for many years. If you are concerned about taking both, speak to your haematology nurse specialist who will be able to reassure you. Best wishes, Maz

[Bazzak]

Same as Mazcd, I have been taking Hydroxycarbamide and aspirin for a number of years with no problems.

[EPguy]

It is common to use these together. My 1st Dr actually Rx two aspirin per day + HU but my MPN specialist reduced it to one saying current info says no need for two. Before I had MPN I used to take the low dose aspirin, but got bruises from it. With MPN it has not caused bruising so I guess it's working well.

One reason we get it is for anti-inflammatory benefits, MPN makes lots of inflammation.

[summerdown]

hi. I have been taking both(75 mg aspirin for ET for about 2 years. I am 75. I have not had any issues. talk to your haemo if you are concerned. I would advise that you do poo tests/ checks regularly

[Solyesh]

Definitely - my MPN specialist prescribed both HU and 1 low dose aspirin daily - have been maintained on low dose aspirin with my switch to Peg

[hunter5582]

HU + aspirin is standard care for ET when cytoreduction is indicated due to being in a higher risk group.. For many people with ET (lower risk groups), aspirin is the only med needed.

Note that HU and aspirin are two different classes of medication and do different things. Hydroxyurea is an antimetabolite (cytotoxin) med. Aspirin is an antiplatelet med. HU reduces the number of all types of blood cells by interfering with the DNA activity in hematopoietic stem cells. Aspirin alters platelet function, preventing platelet aggregation.

Hydroxyurea Mechanism of Action: exact mechanism of action unknown; inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, immediately inhibiting DNA synthesis; increases fetal hemoglobin levels, RBC water content, and sickled cell deformability; alters RBC adhesion to endothelium

Aspirin Mechanism of Action: non-selectively and irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin and thromboxane A2 synthesis, producing analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects and reducing platelet aggregation.

epocrates.com

Like all medications, aspirin and hydroxyurea have potential adverse effects. There are no drug interaction issues when taking them together. Nearly all of us with ET/PV are taking aspirin or some other blood thinning medication to reduce the risk of thrombosis and microvascular symptoms. Many alsong with cytoreductive medications.

Suggest you review this with your MPN care team.

[Daisyplus4 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you again. Your info is always helpful and encouraging.

[289651]

Been on both for 2 years and have not had any issues.

[Meatloaf9]

I have been taking aspirin 81mg for 10 years or more. I am PV age 72. I have been taking HU for about 1 yr now. I have had no problems with either thus far. Best to you.

[Stephen399b]

As many have said it is the standard treatment - I have ET Jak2+.However I did find that after a few years I was getting stomach pains and cramps. I had a number of tests in case I had Crohns or similar, but it turned out that I was becoming intolerant to the asprin. I now take HU plus Clopidogrel and no further problems.

Just be aware. Best wishes

Stephen

[Swim360]

Hi I’ve been taking both 75mg aspirin and 100mg hydroxycarbamide. Since diagnosis 6 weeks ago, along with lots of venesections my bloods are at normal levels.

I’m suffering fatigue mainly in the afternoons and low level headaches hopefully I can sort these out over the next few weeks.

As hunter has advised me you need to keep assessing your treatment making sure it is best for you, best wishes

[WileyFrench]

I’ve been taking HU, low-dose (baby) aspirin and clopidogrel since 2017 with no problems - other than very easy bruising due to the blood thinners.

[Jazzman7]

Hello, yes I take both. Droxia plus 81mg aspirin daily. I asked the same question and my hematologist okayed the aspirin with Droxia.

Best,

Jazzman7