Anyone experience constant nausea from hydroxyurea and if yes, what did you do to stop the nausea?
I've been on hydroxyurea for about year now. I started experiencing nausea about 6 months ago that has gotten progressively worse. I stopped it 2 days for a test I was taking and it went away. I then resumed it and the nausea returned so I stopped it again about a week ago. I will discuss with my hematologist at my appointment this week.
Unfortunately, nausea and other GI issues are common reactions to hydroxyurea.
online.epocrates.com/drugs/...
drugs.com/monograph/hydroxy...
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK5....
I did not experience nausea but did experience constipation. The only thing that worked was to take daily laxatives, which I did under doctors' consultation. You may find that anti-nausea medications are the solution to HU-induced nausea. This is definitely something to consult your care team about. Not something to try to manage on your own.
I was not able to tolerate HU even at very low doses and it was ineffective. The good news is that there are other options. I have responded much better to the interferons, Pegasys/Besremi. The IFNs have been more effective and much easier for me to tolerate, Note that we are all different in how we respond to these meds.
Suggest you consult with a MPN Specialist about how best to manage the MPN in your case. Reviewing the risk/benefit profile of each of your options would be a good idea so you can make the best choice for yourself.
All the best.
Thank you!
That’s really interesting because I experience constipation as well and my Hematologist said “it shouldn’t” and looked at me like I was crazy. She looked it up and said “well only 3% experience it, so it could be you.” Why would I lie….🤔
Yeah, when I discussed it with my MPN doc last month he said it was possible but very unusual. I tried going off it a few times and the nausea went away only to resume a day or 2 after I went back on it. I'm rarely a textbook case of anything so I'm not surprised - LOL
Have been on Hydoxy since 2016. I used to get nausea daily and took Gravol with ginger. Am now on Jakavi s well and have not really needed the.Gravol very often. Please make sure your Hematologist is also an MPN doctor if at all possible for your best quality of life.
I had immediate GI issues on hydroxyurea, first heartburn (which I had never had in my life), then nausea and loss of appetite, then diarrhea. The only solution was to stop taking it and try something else. By the way, it did bring down my numbers quickly but definitely not worth it. After trying a number of other medications, I'm now taking Besremi and am very satisfied with it after almost a year at the lowest dose (50mcg/2 weeks).
Thank you!
How your your current blood counts? Holding them on 50mcg is neat.
I have an appointment on the 20th of this month, so not sure. But my counts have been normal for almost a year at 50mcg.
Not constant. Experienced nausea when first taking Hydroxyurea and my haematologist prescribed Metoclopramide Hydrochloride 10 mg tablets - which worked. I still have a few, and take one when I (very, very intermittently)?experience nausea.
thanks!
I've been on HU since 2016 and did experience severe nausea when first taking it, but that only lasted for around 6 weeks. I was prescribed anti-sickness tablets which helped a lot. Maybe speak to your nurse/consultant about your medication.
will do!
I have had good luck with Zofran and find it quick reacting. Good Luck, Nausea, not good!
thanks
I also had nausea and dizziness on HU. I took it with food and that helped. Also, because it lowered my platelets too well, I eventually took it every other day. Much less nausea.
I was taking it with breakfast. I asked my MPN doc about taking it every other day and he said no. I eventually couldn't take it anymore so totally stopped. I will talk to him tomorrow - not expecting him to be happy.
I have been taking for 2 years and had morning nausea. I got prescription for Zofran and it helps alot. Good Luck!
Thank you!
I eat a half hour before taking Hydroxyurea, take with full glass of water. I make sure I drink a minimum of 64 ounces of fluid daily. If stomach feels funny I drink a full glass of water.
I have anti nausea pills prescribed by hematologist but have not needed to take them.
Hi I had nausea when I first was put on it I was tried on two different drugs first one made me worse but then my gastrointestinal consultant who I was put under after having clots to the liver due to et and then I was put on Hu I was given a drug called domperidone for the nausea which still on is brilliant take twice a dayStay safe
Seasons greetings
Scottish terrier
thanks! I just hate the idea of taking even more Rxs just to get rid of side effects.
I took hydroxy urea for 2 1/2 years and for me the extreme nausea started after the first year or year and a half and unfortunately I did not connect it to the hydroxyurea for a long time. I stopped the hydroxy urea approximately three or four months ago and started Pegasys interferon and all nausea left and I feel much better
Thanks for sharing! I was surprised that it took awhile for me to be nauseous - would have thought it would start right at the beginning.
hi , I had nausea at the start taking Hydroxy. I take it with a good glass of water before bed, that way I sleep through it, and usually ok when I wake up in the morning. Drinking plenty of fluids helps, staying well hydrated. Ginger tea and peppermints helped too x
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