Given new 500mg Hydroxycarbamide tablets today!?

[Pappafraser]

Evening all,

Was on Pegasus injections for over a year which ended up with a repeat side effect of pneumonia.

Came off for 2 months & now have been prescribed 500mg Hydroxycarbamide

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

What time of day is best to take my 2 tablet dose?

Thanks in advance

Grant

[Mills55]

Hi it sounds like your on the same dose as me, I tend to split mine with one with breakfast and the other at 9.30 in the evening seems to work for me.

[Pappafraser in reply to Mills55]

Thanks very much!

Haven’t started them yet, so will also check with my nurse first 👍

[Scouby]

Hi I take mine after breakfast as I have awful memory and would probably forget to take them if I didn't do it first thing,hope it goes well for you

[hunter5582]

Sorry to hear that the PEG did not work out for you. I am the exact opposite. Could not tolerate HU but the IFNs worked well for me.

We are each different in how we respond t the meds. Some like to take HU first thing in the day. Other right before bed to better manage the adverse effects. You will have to experiment to find what works for you.

As you start on this next stage, it is important to have some information about HU. Here are a few resources that may be useful.

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

oralchemoedsheets.com/sheet...

ethrombo.blogspot.com/2017/...

Wishing you all the best on the next stage of your journey.

[Catbells66]

Hi , I take my two tablets straight after breakfast, washed down with a large glass of water plus my aspirin also dissolved in a small glass of water. I then make sure I drink lots of water during the day to keep hydrated. If I took the tablets in the evening, I feel that I wouldn't stay as hydrated.But I do know after reading past posts some folk find evening best, as they suffer from tiredness as a side effect.

All the best with your decision.

[MoNut]

I always took my Hydroxy in the mornings before breakfast.

[HazeBlue]

I take mine at bedtime but best to try morning or night to see what suits you . I’ve been on them for nearly ten years and manage quite well. Have the off day now and then with feeling lethargic but go about my daily routine quite well most if the time . Hope the pills suit you . Stay well. Hazel

[Na56 in reply to HazeBlue]

Hi Hazel It’s good to hear that hydroxycarbemide is still suiting you after 10 years. I’ve been on it for just under 18 months but am concerned about my hair thinning and worried about skin cancer in the future because of this medication. Can I ask how your hair and skin have been? I’m on 9 tablets a week and I’m 71. Thank you Irene

[HazeBlue in reply to Na56]

I do wear a wig as hair not good . Very thin.skin is ok but I stay out of suns d cover up if I do need to walk out in sun. Wear factor 50 and be careful . Good luck in on 27 pills a week . Now gave high red cells and waiting for venesection appointment. Platelets are controlled quite well.

[Na56 in reply to HazeBlue]

Thank you Hazel a nd good luck to you. Irene

[Na56 in reply to HazeBlue]

Hi Hazel As it’s been on my mind could I ask you how you get on with wearing a wig. Did you find your hair thinning got worse as your tablets increased? You seem to be on a high dosage. I’m finding my hair thinning very worrying. Thanks Irene

[HazeBlue in reply to Na56]

I use Simply wigs online . They are great . I go for less volume ones . More natural . They cost about £200 but you can get £40 off fir having illness you don’t pay vat. I like short styles . Sally by natural image is my favourite. Gives me confidenence. People always say how I e my hair is . Take a look at the website .

[Na56 in reply to HazeBlue]

Thank you Hazel. The wigs do look good. Are you able to wear yours all the time and how do you get on if it’s hot or windy, I really appreciate your advice. Irene

[HazeBlue in reply to HazeBlue]

I only take it off at night . The ones I buy are lightweight . Of course the heat on a very hot day can be a bit much but I stay out of the sun anyway because not good to be out in the sun whilst taking hydroxy. You can order a couple and try and return one you don’t like to Simply wigs and they are quick with a refund . Choose one similar to your natural colour and style then it’s not obvious . The wind isn’t a problem . I don’t use a wig cap underneath as they are warm and slip . Only time mine is off is at night .

[Na56 in reply to HazeBlue]

Thank you again for all this information. Irene

[Doxy46 in reply to Na56]

Jumping in here because hair loss has been a concern of mine too. After 14 years on HU, my hair has thinned, but is still manageable. Funny thing is, my hair now has some curl, even my eyebrows. (I was born with thick, fine, stick straight hair.) So, now I have to trim my eyebrows to avoid the mad scientist look.

[Na56 in reply to Doxy46]

That’s interesting. Pleased to hear your hair is still manageable. Kind regards Irene

[Jamesxyz]

Hi,

I take mine mid morning, but I only take one.

No side effects at all.

I have heard if you take 2, it's best to take them together.

[Mirror368]

I would not want to start taking two Hydroxyurea a day. Most seem to start with one and then increase dose if needed.

Are your platelets extremely high? Maybe doctor wants to get them dropped quickly.

[Meatloaf9]

Hi, I take mine, 1 or 2, in the morning on empty stomach. My theory is that I want them absorbed as quickly as possible to not irritate the stomach or esophagus. My Doc says it doesn't matter. I have been on HU for 2 years, would not know I was even taking anything. Blood counts all normal. I guess I am just lucky. Best to you on your journey.