hi, I’m recently diagnosed with ET and on hydroxycarbamide. I’m travelling to the other side of the world for six months and will se doing it every year while I can. My question is regarding changing the times I take the meds. I was told to take it at the same time every day and with food. What do you do in this situation?
🙏🏽
Hi - don’t panic! It doesn’t matter what time you take your Hydroxy. And in the grand scheme of things it won’t matter if you miss a day or two while travelling. I’ve been taking it for about 15 yrs and I take it daily when I remember. Always after food and always with a big glass of water. Enjoy your travels! X
the reason you were told to take the HU at the same time every day is to keep the levels in your blood stable which intern keeps your platelets stable but you also have to live your life. When you get to the new time zone simply take your medication at the time that you always took it. Your platelets may raise a tiny bit for that day or so, but they will regulate once you get back on your regular schedule. Don’t panic enjoy your travels. If you are terribly concerned, call your doctor and ask them, but my guess is they will tell you the same.
just a reminder to check how you will source HU drug fulfillment at the new location and lining up a treatment center and doctor there so you can continue getting blood tests and counseling. I remember when first started HU it was not known how I would react to side effects, and need to adjust the dose over time. What happened was I did not tolerate HU side effects and had to stop taking it after 4 months. My liver enzymes climbed very high which resulted in seeing a liver specialist to confirm the cause was HU. My experience may be totally different from yours. Just raising caution so you aren’t left stranded. I applaud you for pursuing your dream. I hope all goes well.
Hi Bbhr,
I am using hydroxycarbamide for more than 2 years now and I am also going out of the country with 16 hours travel but i just count the time interval for 8 hours then i am taking the medicine even when I am in the airplane and to the other country . It doesn’t matter to me as long as I am taking it regularly and adjusting the time where i am.
I was told it was not time specific. It stays in your system for a long time. I just try to get it as close to the time I should as works out. It’s never caused a problem. Also I usually take in the morning on an empty stomach. Never had a problem.
The best answer to your question is to make a plan with your current MPN care team about how to manage the transition in care since you will be moving far away for 6 months.
Hydroxycarbamide has a half-life of 2-4 hours. The levels in your body cycle up and down based on when and how frequently you take it. It is unlikely that any variance in dosing schedule due to travel will have any effect. In this situation, I would ask about just splitting the difference while traveling and resuming you regular schedule once you arrive. Your MPN care team can help you sort this out.
As others have suggested, since you will be gone for 6 months you should have a MPN-expert point-of-contact in your destination area. Here is a list of MPN expert doctors. mpnforum.com/tsr-the-list/ Suggest you work with your MPN care team to identify a provider and transfer your records to inform any care you may need.
Happy travels.
am on hydroxy too and have been for nearly 2 years. Time of day doesn’t matter as long as you leave it 24 hours for your next dose so you can adjust to new time zone…. Best of luck
Hi, I’m just back from New Zealand, via Singapore. I set my timer for 24 hours from when I took my daily meds, until I arrived at my destination and fell into a pattern once there. Hope that makes sense!
Hi I have been taking same meds for 2 years I have Polycemia Vera ruba and are jack2 positive . I take my medication at night so I don't get all the nausea etc x you will be fine.
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