How can polycythemia vera be treated?
Patient: I am 56 y female, I was diagnosed with PV and at first the doc did only do phlebotomy and asperin. But then my platelets went up and now I have to take Hydroxyurea, 500 mg a day. Today he said I have to take 1000mg daily, because my HB is 16, hemoticrit 47 and platelet 500. WBC is normal. I don t want to take the high dose. What do you think? Doctor: Hi, dearI have gone through your question.I can understand your concern.You have polycythemia vera. In polycythemia vera there is high RBC and platelets count. it will increase the viscosity of blood and there is chance of blood clotting. Phlebotomy is the most cost effective treatment to reduce the RBC count. But aspirin and hydroxyurea is required the avoid any vascular complication like blood clot. So you should take hydroxyurea in prescribed dose. If you don't want to take it in high dosage then there are other alternative drugs like anagrelide. That is more costly. So consult your doctor and set the dosage accordingly.Hope I have answered your question.If you have any doubts then feel free to ask me.I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic.Wish you a very good health.