My urine smells very strong on HU?

[Pachena]

Hi everyone,

I’ve noticed that my urine is quite strong smelling since I’ve been on Hydrea. I’m on a low dose to start, 500mg every 2nd day with a daily aspirin.

I’m 61 and I started taking HU on the 30th May 2023 so almost 3 months. I don’t think it’s my imagination…. 🤔

My daily liquid intake hasn’t changed so I wondered if the smell is from the Hydrea?

Thank you for your input 😃

Sharon

[Cat1001954]

I’m on 5000mg a week and mine is fine possible. Uti?

[Pachena in reply to Cat1001954]

Thank you tho there are no other symptoms and it’s been there only since I started..

[Cat1001954 in reply to Pachena]

Drink more water see if that helps if not see doctor

[Pachena in reply to Cat1001954]

Thanks I’ll do that 👌🏻😃

[IrishSetterLover in reply to Pachena]

When I started Hydrea March 2022, (500mg daily and 2 baby aspirin) I noticed a strong urine smell as well. My oncologist told me to drink more water. Since I increased water intake I haven't noticed the smell. I hope this information helps.

[Cat1001954]

your welcome let us know how you. Get on

[Mostew]

Interesting. I've thought the same .Definitely isn't due to lack of fluids with me. I take 500 mg every day to.

Not surprising really considering how strong the drug is.

But I will mention next appointment . Thanks for reminder

[hunter5582]

Hydrea can cause renal impairment, so it could cause a change in the smell of urine. In fact, some patient education leaflets contain this warning.

Stop taking hydroxyurea and see your doctor or get emergency help immediately if you have: ,,, cloudy or foul smelling urine ... hawkesbay.health.nz/assets/...

Suggest that a prompt call to you hematologist would be in order. While it could be a minor issue, it is important to ensure that the hydrea is not causing renal impairment. There are some specific blood tests that should be run to check on kidney function.

Please do let us know what you learn and how you get on.

[Pachena in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you, Hunter, I’ll send off an email and ask 👌🏻

[Mostew]

Glad you brought this up. Fri. What Hunter said above I will definitely speak to consultant.

The smell isn't very strong ,just noticeably different ...

[Pachena in reply to Mostew]

Yes it has a certain smell to it, hard to explain tho I do notice it each time. I mean I noticed it from not long after I started. I don’t feel unwell in any other way. I’ll check to make sure all is ok 😉 Thank you all for your advice 😃

[Mwalimu]

I have found the same, I am on 5oo mg HU one day and 1000 the next plus a daily 75 mg aspirin, Subsequently I have been put on 20 mg daily rivaroxaban, I have found the urine smell is much stronger when I have eaten a lot of vegetables. It is very much reduced when my vegetable intake is lower. Sallie

[Pachena in reply to Mwalimu]

Oh I haven’t really thought about that connection 🤔

[Scaredy_cat]

It sounds as if it should be investigated further as it sounds potentially serious. However one thing of note is different people process chemicals differently such as asparagus where some people's urine smells funny after eating it; others' doesn't.

[AndyKay]

I’ve noticed the same thing. I started taking HU last year and there’s a strong odor. I drink lots of water.

[Joetcalr]

my urine definitely smells on hydroxy, I was off it for a month and the smell went back to normal, then while on interferon yet a different smell, not sure which was worse …