Pv and itchy

[JoeOeil]

Hydroxyurea and itchyp

[hunter5582]

Hydroxyurea can cause a number of skin problems. Some sources do cite itching as a possible side effect. The complication is that the PV can be the cause of the itching. Sometimes timing is the only clue about whether it is the HU or the PV.

Suggest you review your question with a MPN Specialist on your care team.

[Director1157]

Hello Joe,

I have been on Hydroxurea for a little over 2 months now. I do get a few minor side effects including leg cramps and face gets hot (flushed). But they only happen sporadically very seldom. When I started the medication, my platelets were 1.3 million. Three weeks after on meds they dropped to 795k. Now just at doctors this past Friday which is a little over 2 months on meds and platelets are now 483k. My dosage is 1000 mg per day.

My suggestion is if this medication is working for you and the side effects are minimal, then I would continue. If side effects are that bad, then try another medication. Definitely contact your doctor either way and let him decide.

Wish you luck Joe

Joe

[TLJ-1]

Hi Joe,

The itching can be really irritating. When I first started HU 5 months ago, I had some itching with rash spots. As it interfered with sleep, I stopped using any for about a week. Then I slowly started taking HU again. The itching returned, but I was able to keep it tolerable by putting hydrocortisone cream on the itchy spots – basically my torso. The amount of itching slowly abated over the course of several weeks even though I eventually advanced to the level of 14 HU capsules per week.

Good luck!