Managing side effects of hydroxyurea for PV
Fact-checked by Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic, slow-growing blood cancer that can affect your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (the cell fragments that help your blood clot). Having too many blood cells can cause many of the symptoms of PV and increase your risk of blood clots.
One of the main goals of PV treatment is to control your blood cell counts and reduce your risk of blood clots and other serious complications. For many people, this involves phlebotomy, or routine blood draws, and daily treatment with low-dose aspirin. But if you have high risk disease, doctors may also prescribe hydroxyurea, a cytoreductive medication that helps reduce the number of blood cells your body produces.
If you’re taking this medication, managing side effects of hydroxyurea for PV may be an important part of your care, especially during long-term treatment. Knowing what side effects to look for and when to contact your care team can help you manage your treatment safely.
Hydroxyurea side effects
Hydroxyurea works by interfering with DNA production in rapidly dividing cells. This helps reduce blood cell production but can also cause side effects.
Hydroxyurea side effects may include:Â
- fatigue
- thinning hair or hair loss, known as alopecia
- gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- inflammation of the mucosa covering the gastrointestinal tract
- nerve problems, such as peripheral neuropathy
- lung inflammation, known as pneumonitis
- skin problems, such as skin ulcers and an increased risk of certain skin cancers with long-term use
Hydroxyurea can also cause myelosuppression, or reduced blood cell production in your bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. Although hydroxyurea is used to lower elevated blood cell counts, myelosuppression can cause your blood cell levels to become too low.
While you are taking hydroxyurea, your doctor will likely recommend regular blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts. If you are having trouble managing fatigue from hydroxyurea or notice other new or worsening symptoms, talk with your doctor. Blood tests can help determine whether low blood cell counts may be contributing to your symptoms.
Your doctor may adjust your hydroxyurea dose or discuss other treatment options if needed. Do not change your dose or stop taking hydroxyurea without first talking with your care team.
Monitoring and managing skin complications
Hydroxyurea can cause skin changes, particularly with long-term use. Knowing what to look for can help you bring any changes to your care team’s attention early.
Among the skin problems associated with hydroxyurea are:
- extreme dryness
- dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, on your skin or nails
- thickening or scaling of the skin
- ulcers, or painful open sores that do not heal well
- scaly patches on your skin, known as actinic keratoses
- rashes
- skin cancer
Practicing good hydroxyurea skin care may help you manage some skin-related symptoms and protect your skin.
Strategies for caring for your skin while taking hydroxyurea may include:Â
- limiting direct sun exposure
- using sunscreen and wearing UV-protective clothing
- using lotion or moisturizer regularly
- checking your skin for new or altered spots, sores, or other changes
- having routine skin exams with a dermatologist, a doctor specializing in treating skin issues
Tell your doctor if you notice a new or changing skin lesion or a sore that does not heal. Your care team can evaluate the area and determine whether any changes to your treatment or skin care routine are needed.
Safe handling during long-term treatment
If you take hydroxyurea for many years, knowing how to handle and store your medication safely can help protect you and others.
Tips for PV medication safety when taking hydroxyurea include:Â
- Avoid touching the medication directly whenever possible.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling the medication or any bottles.
- Avoid preparing your medication on surfaces shared with other people or animals.
- Consider placing a paper towel on the surface to catch spills.
- Place trash that comes into contact with the medication in a closed plastic bag before throwing it away.
- Keep hydroxyurea in its original, labeled container.
- Store your medication in a safe, secure location out of reach of children and pets.
- Follow your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions for safely disposing of unused medication.
If someone helps you take hydroxyurea, that person should follow the handling instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist and avoid direct contact with the medication.
Hydroxyurea can harm a developing fetus, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy.
Your doctor or pharmacist can give you specific instructions for safely taking, storing, and handling hydroxyurea. If anything is unclear, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Rare Cancer News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
