Kidneys affected by Hydroxyurea?

[KHardey]

Was admitted to hospital last week due to severely low sodium levels and creatinine levels were way off normal. Admitting diagnosis was acute kidney failure. Nephrologists were not sure what was causing the change in my kidney’s health. They wondered if the Hydroxyurea could be playing a part. I have ET Jak 2 Diag 8/2022 and was started on Hydroxyurea 500 mg per day at the same time. I was discharged from hospital after 3 days as my levels were improving. They had stopped the Hydroxyurea while in the hospital and told me to stop taking it until I could visit with my oncologist. Has anyone else had this issue while taking Hydroxyurea? Thanks.

[hunter5582]

Renal impairment is a known adverse effect of hydroxyurea.

online.epocrates.com/drugs/...

drugs.com/sfx/hydroxyurea-s...

Note that there is evidence that hydroxyurea can cause hyponatremia.

ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386....

emedicine.medscape.com/arti...

It does sound like a conversation abut treatment options is in order. Fortunately, there are other options.

Please do let us know how you get on.

[Mishie14]

Yes, I experienced kidney and liver issues with hydroxy and separately from anagrelide that I tried after hydroxy. Both started out OK but within weeks and increased doses I felt horrible every single day. The bone and joint pain, brain fog, overwhelming fatigue, loss of appetite and sense of taste, and eventually heart palpitations were my noticeable responses. My hemo oncology/MPN doctor continues to be very mindful of my quality of life and lab results from weekly CMP and DIFF blood tests from the start. Less frequent have been tests for iron levels and Vitamin D. I had one bone marrow biopsy test at the start. These bone and blood content data points have been very beneficial in tracking just what these drugs do or not over time and together with my physical reactions enable adjusting the treatment plan accordingly. I am so grateful for having options and an excellent hematology / MPN doctor. Seeking normal platelet levels would seem to be a straight forward undertaking but it is not at all like that. I read an article early on that noted just 24 people out of one million have ET. Feeling special has a whole new meaning. Good luck to you on your MPN journey. Remember, you are not alone!

[KHardey in reply to Mishie14]

Thanks for your reply! Sorry did not respond sooner. Wow, your symptoms sound so familiar to mine. The fatigue and brain fog are overwhelming. I now have tinnitus and dizziness in my right ear. 🤪. I’m becoming very frustrated with my quality of life, or should I say lack thereof…I also have loss of appetite and continue to lose weight. Guess I’m wondering if this is all due to ET or is something else going on. Thinking of going to Mayo Clinic, as I live in a small city with limited medical resources. Thanks again for sharing… very much appreciated.

[PhysAssist]

,

Hi KHardey,

I'm sorry to hear that you had this occur.

It is clearly one of the possible side effects of Hydroxyurea [HU]- and while I was on it, I consistently had [new and never-before experienced] abnormalities in my renal [kidney] functions and electrolyte results- although not to your degree.

Aside from the noted lack of any disease/outcome-modifying effects associated with taking HU, the toxic effects, including increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers , is why I insisted on getting off of it ASAP.

That's in addition to new daily headaches, balance issues, and vision changes;

They also think that my [spontaneously in my sleep] biceps tendon rupture last month was likely promoted by it, even though I stopped taking it in 9/22.

God bless and good luck from here on out- keep us advised in how things progres, please.

Best regards,

PA

[KHardey in reply to PhysAssist]

Thank you so much for your reply. I follow up with. Oncologist next week. I’m fairly certain they will dismiss the Hydroxyurea as a cause of my kidney failure. May be time for a new oncologist. We’ll see. Thanks again for your valuable input. Stay well.

[PhysAssist in reply to KHardey]

Hi KHardey,

You're oh so welcome!

If they argue, I agree that finding a new MNP specialist should be at the top of your "to-Do" list.

Is your Onco MD listed here:

mpnforum.com/list-hem./ ?

If not, you should think about finding one from the list- that's what I had to do to get taken off HU and put on Besremi.

I wish you the best, and do please keep us informed!

Best,

PA.