Time of taking Hydroxyurea

[Kelly2]

Hi Can you please tell me what time do you take Hydroxyurea? One haematologist yesterday told me I should take it in the morning empty stomach for it to work better!

[Yoganana1]

Hi Kelly2

I have been in Hydroxy for over 2 years and started taking them in the morning but was suffering with side effects so changed to evening time a couple of hours before bedtime and this seems to have been a lot better for me. I did ask at the consultant and was told it didn’t matter what time I took them as long as it was consistent 🤷‍♀️ … there does seem to be so many different opinions with consultants I think sometime you have to maybe decide what suits you best also

Wishing you good luck with your health journey x

[Kelly2 in reply to Yoganana1]

Thank you! I don't trust anybody anymore! How can one take 2 capsules empty stomach??? I have to raise my dose so as to lower the platelets and have a kidney operation which is urgent and I have to wait!!!!!! I am very upset. I don't even know if hydroxy did this to me!

[Yoganana1 in reply to Kelly2]

I am really sorry to hear that. I fully understand how you feel though. I have been told to increase my dose to 100mg at the weekends now and seem to have gained some very nasty mouth ulcers and feel extremely low and unwell so I feel that the Hydroxy has done this to me too but no concrete proof and like you I can’t seem to get any helpful advice from the consultants … I don’t think they fully really understand this at all and this forum seems to be the only sensible advice I can trust. It is worth its weight in gold on here.

Good luck with your op too hope you start to improve soon

[Kelly2 in reply to Yoganana1]

Thank you very much.

[Mostew]

I take at about 5/ 6 pm .Main thing is lots water. Don't think empty stomach matters

Do you have a nice heamatology nurse? My hospital is great . When I'm unsure or just need to let of steam there is always a listening ear. ( phone call)

[Kelly2 in reply to Mostew]

I have contacted another haematologist and if he replies to me, hopefully he will answer all my questions and give me alternatives that I didn't have till now. I didn't have much luck with them.

[saltmarsh]

I've had digestive tract issues for my entire life. Started taking HU 3 years ago and now alternate between 1 and 2/day. I always take them after eating with plenty of water. On the days when I take 2, it's one after lunch and one after dinner. I've also significantly reduced my alcohol. My numbers are all in a good range so this approach appears to be working with no real ill effects. Wishing you luck on figuring out what works best. And good luck with a new doctor. I switched mine a couple of years ago and it made all the difference. Best wishes

[Kelly2 in reply to saltmarsh]

That's what I used to do too. I even looked into the leaflet and it doesn't specify the time. This haematologist? suggested it but I didn't do it! It is toxic enough as it is imagine with an empty stomach!

[RietFontein]

Hi Kelly, Being on Hydrea for 8 months (2 x 500mg per day). I have been taking the capsules same time every day (17h00) - whatever I've eaten (or not). No side effects -None!

The meds brought all my blood parameters back into acceptable levels. From my haematologist - take it same time daily - only advice he insisted upon!

Good luck - you will be just fine!!

Ps- haematologist did prescribe allopurinol 100mg to counter possible high uric acid levels. I take 1 tablet with the Hydrea capsules.

[Kelly2 in reply to RietFontein]

In fact she also prescribed to me Zyloric 100 mg.

[Kelly2 in reply to RietFontein]

Ι am impressed! 8 months 2 per day? Thats a lot!

[Frances1903]

Interesting thought, I ve been told anytime with or without food, but take mine just after breakfast/.

[HoundSept2022]

I took my HU in the morning for the first 18 months. When my dose was doubled to 2 capsules per day, I asked this lovely MPN family about splitting morning and night. I tried that, but almost forgot the second capsule too often, so switched back to mornings for both. My haematologist said timing didn't matter. A few weeks ago I moved to taking both capsules in the evening in an attempt to reclaim some non-zombie daylight hours. I find it an effort to remember, as my daily routine varies throughout the week, but I think I am now getting better days to get on with life. I feel there's a benefit to taking the HU later in the day, though it could all be in my mind!!😅

[ThingamaGeorge]

I do take mine around 7am and the second 500mg at 7pm each day. Do my best to keep them about 12 hours apart. First is on an empty stomach, but evening is about 2 hours after eating.

[IsabelleHo]

Hi Kelly,

I take my Hydroxy just before supper in order to mitigate any strong side effects.

My specialist told me to go with what suited me and advised me to play around with the times to see what was best.

I just stuck with the evening while making supper so I don't forget.

Best wishes

[Lilliegarden]

I take mine at 7am ish on an empty stomach with my other meds

Mainly because I don’t eat breakfast

[georgevanier in reply to Lilliegarden]

Hi Kelly, I have been on hydroxy for 2 years, I take mine right after breakfast, around 10.am

after with a glass of water, never on an empty stomach.

Best Wishes

[Kelly2 in reply to georgevanier]

Me too. Last year I started having kidney problems! I am currently waiting to drop platelets to be able to be operated! I was given Zyloric 100mg for uric acid now ! Ask whether you should also take it!