Upset Stomach On Hydroxycarbamide

[Mills55]

I’ve been taking Hydroxycarbamide for the past 2 years without any problems (2 x 500mg daily one morning and one evening) but for the last few days I’ve been experiencing diarrhoea and stomach cramps each afternoon after lunch (different everyday)

So my question is can this happen after taking Hydroxycarbamide for so long or is this completely unrelated like a stomach bug / virus / food poisoning etc?

What do you long termers think?

[hunter5582]

There is no way to tell whether this is a delayed response to the HU or an unrelated GI issue. To answer your question, yes you can experience a change ion tolerance to HU or any other medication over time. In fact, with some medications adverse effects take time to manifest. there is no way to tell whether that applies to this situation. time will tell.

Hope you are feeling better soon. If it persists, definitely let your MPN care team know.

[Scottishterrier]

Hi Mills55It seems you have been on them for along time without any problems so it maybe you have picked up a stomach bug or food poisoning I would contact your GP for a face to face or phone call consultation or what about your pharmacist they maybe able to help you out but one nugget of hope just because you have an upset stomach the Hu will still be working years ago I had same thing constant diarrhoea I got a face to face but take a sample it was salmonella and I got a big form for the week before I caught it was environmental health I.had to write down everything I had eaten and where was it bought hope this helps

Stay safe

Scottish terrier

[Loubprv Volunteer]

It's odd isn't it? How drugs affect folk in different ways. I was on HU for 15 years with barely any side effects in fact none that I can think of Suddenly I had a face full of actinic keratoses ( small red pre cancerous marks) so I was put on peg interferon which caused me massive problems but seems to suit thousands of people.

Now on Rux

I can't remember whether HU causes tum problems - what's listed under side effects? It would be unusual I think for side effects to start two years on

Prob the best thing is to contact your haematologist.

Hope you feel better soon

Louise

[saltmarsh]

I've had PV for 5 years, been on HU for 3. I've had a sensitive stomach my entire life (now 78) and am very careful what I eat. The HU has made some types of food more difficult to tolerate but does not seem to cause any additional stomach issues. You should follow up with your doctor and consider switching your diet to one that addresses digestive tract issues for now. And by all means skip the alcohol if you're so inclined. Hope this passes quickly but don't ignore it if it persists for more than a few days. Good luck, and hope you're feeling better soon.

[Plavers]

Hi there! Sorry you are having problems with you digestion at the moment, I have always had a sensitive stomach because of previous health conditions. When I read the list of problems that Hydroxy could cause I was really worried, but it's all been very smooth sailing. I still get wild swings between bouts of diarrhoea and stomach cramps, but nothing too different from before Hydroxy. I always have a good supply of Loperamide Hydrochloride so take some as a precaution when I know what I'm eating is going to cause problems. Sometimes though I just take a decision, like last week my Wife and I had a Five Guys meal and I opted for a Milk Shake - now a milkshake is always going to react with my stomach and lead to an evacuation ! But I so love the Five Guys Banana Milkshake that I very, very occasionally have one. It was amazing! I loved it, but it meant no going out for me for the rest of the day. I think it's also helpful to make a Food Diary and report on the effect on your stomach. I've gone on for far too long and been way too personal, so sorry for that. As always if it gets too much see your doctor and get some help. Every good wish. Paul (ET 74 yrs 3yrs on Hydroxy)

[Mills55]

Thanks for all the replies I am thankfully all back to normal now.

I think it must have been some kind of bug / food poisoning that I picked up and the Hydroxycarbamide was just a coincidence. Certainly in the last week I have been taking my normal dosages and have experienced no problems I just hope it never occurs again.