Hydroxycarbamide

[Ozziepig]

Hi Yasmin

I started taking hydroxycarbamide just over 3 years ago after being diagnosed with essential Thrombocythemia. I started on 5 x500mg per week and now take 8x500mg as my platelets have gone up.

I have been lucky with side effects and feel my worst issue has been nausea and fatigue. It has been a gradual process and I think that it’s just learning to live with it.

I am careful in the sun as your skin becomes sensitive and I have bouts of going to the loo a lot and then get constipated. I avoid caffeine if I can and drink very little alcohol,

I have also found that I have gained weight so have to watch what I eat but I think generally life is okay and I’d rather be on the drug than be at risk of blood clots and strokes!!

There are alternative drugs but my consultant wants me to be on this one as its the best one for my diagnosis.

Hope this helps. Good luck