pain in tummy

[Cat1001954]

stomach ache for days on hydroxycarbamide 500mg a day any tips Iv tried everything

[Orangeboykitty]

Perhaps you should try a different medication. Please discuss with your care team. No reason to suffer when other meds are available.

[Mwalimu]

Have you tried taking the HU 'within' a substantial meal? Also, are you on aspirin? If so, are you using gastro-enteric coated? Both these may help but, if not, there are alternatives to HU.... hope you get it sorted. Sallie

[Cat1001954 in reply to Mwalimu]

thank you

[Cat1001954 in reply to Mwalimu]

I’m going to take after food now thank you all

[BloodZero in reply to Cat1001954]

This is the way to go. You don't want the Hydroxy hitting an empty stomach lining. Myself, I eat half my meal take the Hydroxy then eat the rest of my meal.

I take aspirin in a seperate meal. If I forget to take tabs during my meal times I will eat again so I can take the tabs.

Been doing this for a fews years now without any problems. Hope it improves for you.

[Cat1001954 in reply to BloodZero]

thank you x

[ciye]

I find taking hydroxy after a meal is much better, I was taking lansoprazole , I thought for gerd but gp said as I take aspirin I should still be taking it. PPI meds Omeprazole , Lansoprazole and Esomeprazole all come with their own side effects.

Definitely speak to your care team

[Cat1001954 in reply to ciye]

thank you all

[Scottishterrier]

I had nausea through Hu I was prescribed metrocloprimde but that didn't work I had been referred to a gastroenterologist consultant as had three clots to liver that was when went on Hu finally got put on domperidone and never looked back you could also check to see if you have not got IBS or worrying about et or whatever mpn you have you should talk to your consultant or GP there are more nerves in bowel and stomach a lot of mpnrs have problems maybe if you are on other drugs you are on could be thatStay safe

Scottish terrier xxx

[Cat1001954 in reply to Scottishterrier]

thank you so much

[Doggy1903]

Dear Cat so sorry you have this experience .I have taken hydroycarbimide for nearly 5 years now. I can see other lovely folks have advised , but also would suggest taking the meds after food . It is important too you speak with your haematology team , so you cna be advised properly by your nurse or doctor. It does not sound to be suiting you

[Cat1001954 in reply to Doggy1903]

hi Iv been drinking peppermint tea and it’s eased a bit don’t think it’s the drug after all but thank you

[Doggy1903 in reply to Cat1001954]

Bless you good stuff peppermint tea,hope you are ok and always feel welcome to message anytime, its really lovely to all share worries together with our ET etc!!

[Cat1001954 in reply to Doggy1903]

aww thank you I love this forum and bless you too x

[Doggy1903 in reply to Cat1001954]

Thank you , yes what a great idea as its so rare to find anyone else with and MPN so we all help each other along the way.

[Aldebaran25]

The reaction to these drugs seems to be very individual. I have been taking HU 500 mg a day for about 20 months without any issues. The way I have been taking it is in the evening after dinner, with a large glass of water. I also take baby aspirin daily, in the morn after breakfast and have chosen the gastroprotected type. Hope this helps. If your problem persists I would suggest discussing it with your specialist and consider changing therapy, e.g. Pegasys may be an alternative.

[saltmarsh]

Hi Cat. I'm 75 with pv for 3 years. Last year started on HU to control hematocrit better. I've always had a sensitive stomach and 500mg/day wasn't a problem but now up to 1500 so that change caused some digestive tract issues. After experimenting I am now taking one immediately after lunch and 2 midway through dinner, always with lots of water. It took about 3 weeks for my body to adjust to the higher dosage and initially I took half a pepto bismol tablet prior to taking the pill to prevent stomach issues. Recently stopped that as my body seems to have adjusted to this medication. I have read on this forum that HU has lactose in it and I am lactose intolerant so that is also a consideration as we move forward. Good luck to you. We are all quite lucky to have this forum. Saltmarsh

[Cat1001954]

awww bless you. For this info I drank peppermint tea and my doc gave me peppermint capsules and it’s a lot better bless you x