Hydroxycarbamide

[bloby]

About to start this, but I see it advises protection for sex and oral sex, but I read a post saying this was only seen on the voice and macmillan .No one else advising. And people been using the drug for decades. How likely is it with oral sex that the other person will be affected by your bodily fluids. ??

[eladhil]

Hello. As far as I know the problem is only with fertility

[beetle]

it could well be one of those ultra-cautious warnings that drug companies give out such as a warning that paracetamol can cause headaches. I was taking Hydroxy in doses up to 2gm per day for 17+ years and during that time my partner never experienced any particular complications. Maybe I should add that we were not trying for a baby so I’ve no idea if his fertility became an issue

[bloby in reply to beetle]

No babies at 69..😄

[EPguy in reply to beetle]

Interesting you mention paracetamol (tylenol) and headaches. I actually get that in the morning if I take a full 500 dose at night. (I split it on the rare occasions I take one)

[RCBr]

I would be very cautious....it well renowned organisations are the ones saying this I would asking them the reasons why x

[bloby in reply to RCBr]

I think some one already tried and was getting nowhere

[Solyesh]

When I went on HU my MPN specialist emphasized the need to wear a condom to protect my partner. He said this was in his opinion a requirement. He said some doctors recommend closing the toilet seat before flushing but he wouldn't go that far but stated protection during intercourse as mandatory.

[bloby in reply to Solyesh]

Will ask consultant this week..but I only see him once a week (partner)so if can't have spontaneous sex...May reconsider taking the meds....too old to be spoiling what I have. Thanks anyway

[RCBr in reply to bloby]

There's been a previous discussion on here before too...try putting it in the search bar

[Swede]

Hi, my understanding is that, as it is a chemotherapy medication, one should be careful. It is recommended to wash your hands after touching them or use gloves. Also, as you say, your partner (s) should use precaution. On your direct question "How likely is it with oral sex that the other person will be affected by your bodily fluids. ??", I'd say that you will be in contact with the other persons bodily fluids, for example sperm or vaginal secretion. From that, it is up to you, together, to decide what you are going to do.👍

[hunter5582]

The recommendation to use a condom when on HU is found from multiple sources. HU is a "highly toxic medication with a low therapeutic index." It does pass into semen and vaginal secretions. Not all medical professionals agree with the need for condom use with HU however. One of the better assessments indicted that the primary risk was mild irritation of tissues due to exposure to the HU in semen/vaginal secretions. Unfortunately, I cannot find that reference now. I believe it was on one of the NHS websites.

We did not use a condom when I was on HU. There were no issues as a result. This is really a matter for each couple to make an informed decision about. I think it is reasonable to believe that there is some level of risk, but the risk is fairly low. There is no right or wrong answer. It is about risk tolerance and what each couple is comfortable with.

The other related issue that the prescriber should have discussed with you is oligospermia/azoospermia (hypogonadism). HU can reduce sperm count. While it is usually reversible, sometimes the effect is permanent. There is a recommendation that men who might someday still want to have children consider sperm banking. It is also recommended that men wait 12 months and women 6 months after discontinuing HU to attempt to have children.

There is some useful information to have when initiating HU, including specific handling instructions.

oralchemoedsheets.com/sheet...

ethrombo.blogspot.com/2017/...

drugs.com/monograph/hydroxy...

online.epocrates.com/drugs/...

All the best as you start on the next stage of your journey.

[bloby in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you.