Hydroxyurea and Anagrelide

[YBSx]

hello everyone

I posted a few weeks ago about my on going battle with fatigue. My haematologist has suggested switching medication from Hydroxyurea to Anagrelide. They have sent me some details in the post which isn’t helpful.

I'm ET jak2 positive has anyone else had experience of taking Anagrelide. If so could you please share your experience of this medication.

thank Yvonne

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Yvonne, you can read more about Anagrelide in our information booklet, hopefully it will be more helpful than the information you have been sent

mpnvoice.org.uk/wp-content/...

best wishes, Maz

[YBSx]

Thanks

[Amethist]

I find the website drugs.com useful to look up anything to do with medication, so you can then discuss all the pros and cons with your doctor.

drugs.com/monograph/anagrel...

[Gaithersburg]

Hi, I have been on Anagrelide for 13 years with no problems. I do get tired sometimes but hard to say if that's just a busy life with 2 teenagers plus I play tennis about 4 times per week too. FYI - I am 56 with ET Calr mutation. Good luck with your meds change.

[CraftySpider]

Hello, I have just switched to Anagrelide after 20 years on HU…was a bit scared reading all the side effects, but so far (after 1 month) ..so good. Had haemo appointment this week and all blood counts very good.

One episode of slight dizziness ( heart racing) but only lasted a few seconds, and stopped with slow breathing , and occasional diarrhoea.

I am 60 years old , in U.K., with Myelofibrosis, and hoping the switch will give me more energy, less hair thinning and fewer stomach issues and less joint pain. A bit early to see any improvement yet..but I am hopeful !

Good luck with your journey.

[YBSx in reply to CraftySpider]

Thank you 😀

[Hidden in reply to YBSx]

I started out on Angrelide for 2 years. Yes, I was very fatigue., heart racing and bruising easily. Now, I take Jakafi and it's really change alot of my symptoms. I was diagnosis with ET, now I have progress to pre myelofibrosis with Calr.

[hunter5582]

There are multiple options for treating thrombocytosis. HU and anagrelide are two of the choices. Pegasys is another. There are also medications like Besremi and bomedemstat in clinical trials if you are interested.

We all respond differently to each of these medications. Many docs would start with either HU or Pegasys to treat ET. Anagrelide would be regarded as a second-line choice due to its side effect profile. However, some respond better to anagrelide.

Suggest that you compare the benefits, risks, and cautions/contraindications for each of your potential treatment options.

Here are three sources where you can find information about all of the medications you may consider.

drugs.com/pro/pegasys.html

rxlist.com/pegasys-drug.htm

epocrates.com/online/drugs/... You can set up a free epocrates account to look up multiple drugs

WIhing you all the best as you move forward.

[YBSx]

thank you 😀

[sewingchick]

I was on Hydroxyurea for 13 years. I have PV and am 83.

I was changed to Anagrelide as HU became ineffective - high platelets and anaemia.

My Haematologist mentioned that I might get palpitations and I did. An hour after each Anagrelide tab my heart raced to 160 bpm.

I am now on Pegasys and all is going well.

All the best to you.