Taking Antibiotics while on Hydroxycarbamide for ET

[Kilmichael]

Has anyone taken a break from Hydroxycarbamide .. if they have a chest infection and need antibiotics ..

[Cat1001954]

Hi yes I have quite a few times

[Kilmichael in reply to Cat1001954]

Thank you … do yiu mind me asking are your Polstelets very high ?

[Cat1001954 in reply to Kilmichael]

As of 2 weeks ago with consultant 386. I’m on 5000 mg a week

[Kilmichael in reply to Cat1001954]

Thank you …

[KentBee]

Hi, I have asked the Haemotologist many times if I can have a break from Hydroxycarbamide but she always says not to stop and to take it for life. I have massive hair loss now after about 8 years on it. However, my platelets are stable, am on 9 x 500mg a week.

[Kilmichael in reply to KentBee]

Thank you

[Carol0925 in reply to KentBee]

Sorry to read about your hair loss. How long were you on Hydroxy before your hair started to fall out?

[Exeter21 in reply to KentBee]

There are better choices . Interferon is excellent. My hair came out & gastric problems on HU. I asked for 2nd opinion as refused to continue on Hydroxy ruining my everyday health which was fine before I started it My platelets were not v high but I was Jak2 on tests & over 65. Our bodies react differently to drugs. My hair thickened & grew back on interferon I inject only monthly . You have choices so contact an MPN . Julia . UK

[KentBee]

I haven’t lost all of my hair, maybe about half the previous volume. It has happened over a few years however, maybe due to age 73 and two dreadful bereavements it has suddenly got massively worse and hate washing and brushing my hair now as so much hair loss. The Heamotologist totally discounts it along with some dizziness, it all seems about platelet numbers which are well controlled now. Don’t worry, think I am the exception not the norm.

[Winchie]

I continued taking hydroxyurea while on an antibiotic for a UTI with no problem

[jointpain]

Why would you take a break from hydroxycarbamide? My wife is on penicillin every day, due to having a Splenectomy, and doesn't take a break from hydroxycarbamide.

[Kilmichael in reply to jointpain]

THank you .. I was just concerned about taking Antibiotics while on Hydroxycarbamide. Your reply has reassured me .

[jointpain in reply to Kilmichael]

It is early day though, she's only been on hydroxycarbamide and Anagrelide and penicillin for 5 years and a few months 😱

[hunter5582]

Taking a vacation from chemotherapy is sometimes done. If the issue is a chest infection that requires antibiotics, it is not likely necessary provided that your immune system has not been too suppressed. If you find that you are not responding to the antibiotics, then it is time for a more thorough assessment by a pulmonologist. HU can cause some significant issues with the lungs including interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonitis. While not common, when these issues occur discontinuation of the HU is needed. .

[Kilmichael in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you Hunter