Hydroxy

[john0084]

Has anyone else been told they can't have any more hydroxy unless they have a blood test. This has just happened and at first I didn't question the whys and wherefores but has left me wondering why my nurse specialist said this as I was running out of tablets and not due a blood test for 2 weeks

[Cat1001954]

hi John I have to have blood test a few days before my appointment. And get my drugs 3monthly

[john0084 in reply to Cat1001954]

Thanks for your comments, I must be over reacting!

[Cat1001954 in reply to john0084]

not at all John if you don’t know then you ask that’s how we learn take care x

[MariaB27 in reply to Cat1001954]

Me too

[hunter5582]

That actually makes sense. Hydroxyurea is chemotherapy and has to be monitored. It would simply be responsible medicine to check a CBC and CMP before represcribing.

[Mostew]

I get repeat prescription monthly. Not dependant on blood tests

[Maisie10]

Hello John. Yes I have to have a blood test before I am able to collect my meds. Although not always the 3 months I used to get, so just go more often for a blood test. Take care

[Roxy1959]

hi John I have blood tests done every 3 months and phone appointment with my hemo. Consultant to make sure all is ok and no side effects . My gp issues my prescription every 2 months, and is happy to do so, as long as I am under the care of the hemo consultant and getting bloods tested. I am in Northern Ireland.

[summerdown]

Hi. I would be surprised if anyone was taking Hydroxy without bloods being monitored. I have a phone consultation every 2 months with my hemo. A BT about 5 days before and platelets are monitored and HY adjusted - only increased so far unfortunately. I take 1000 3 days a week. 500 4 days a week, 75 mg aspirin daily for ET.

[Inclement]

I receive my hydrea direct from hospital by post as my GP is apparently not allowed to prescribe it, and I keep a careful check on supply to ensure I have enough until my next appt, having received next date a few days after each call. I have on occasion not been sent enough and contacted hospital in advance, or else had to advise consultant when she calls that I only had a few days' supply left so needed more immediately. It does seem to me that having some surplus in hand would be sensible, as even if the dosage is changed I can adjust as and when. The hospital sends collection tubes too and requests I book a blood test at GP 4/5 days before next call.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hi John, I have an appointment every 3 months with a blood test a week before each appointment, and once my haem has checked my counts and had a chat then I am given a prescription for my Hydroxycarbamide. My haem and my nurse specialist have always been happy to give me extra just in case my next appointment date is changed for any reason, to make sure I don't run out, so it is worth asking if they will do this for you. Best wishes, Maz

[john0084 in reply to Mazcd]

Thanks for all your comments, very much appreciated, its nice read the support of the mpn community.

[Cat1001954 in reply to Mazcd]

same here

[Cat1001954]

hi you need the blood tests before next prescription to check your numbers

[Annula]

Can you et the blood test earlier? I always have a blood test before I get my script -think it must be different protocols in different areas/countries. Either way it's not good to possibly run out of your meds.....