Should i start taking 'hydrozyrurea' for polycythemia vera?
Patient: My current hemotologist tells me he suspects I may be entering the "spent phase" of polycythermia vera.   I was diagnosed 3 years ago with PV and ET and have been taking anagrelide and aggrenox since then.   My counts are mainly normal now (e.g. hematocrit at 42 and platelets at 330k) except that my Hg is low at 12.9.  I am thinking that it may be time to d/c the anagrelide and change to hydrozyrurea.   I am also looking for ways to boost the longetivity of my bone marrow. Doctor: Hi,Thanks for asking.Based on your clinical history and query, my opinion is as follows:1. All the counts are near normal limits. There should be no reason to discontinue anagrelide.2. Changing to hydroxyurea could cause rebound increase. Hydroxyurea is known to increase risk for leukemias and need not be started at present.3. Dose reduction can be discussed with your doctor to boost longetivity of bone marrow.Hope it helps.Any further queries, happy to help again.