Should I continue taking hydroxyurea for Essential Thrombocytosis?
Patient: Next mo. I'll turn 65.  I suffer from ET (Essential Thrombocytosis).  I was made aware of the possibility of this condition in 1995 during a routine office visit by my cardiologist.  The cardiologist couldn't get a definitive blood count after a routine CBC was taken and referred me to a hematologist.  Several tests, including bone marrow aspiration, were taken to determine what was going on with my blood.  Turned out to have a blood disorder called ET rendering my platelet count in the low one-millions.  I was immediately put on Anagrelide which I stayed on for approx. 4 years.  But because of severe side affects, specifically palpitations which this hematologist didn't seem to consider serious, given my condition, I sought the services of yet another specialist.  I was introduced to hydroxyurea in high doses which brought about a whole different set of problems.  Where the palpitations were alayed, I began noticing a darkening of my nails, feet and hands, and severe bouts with dizziness, as well as lower back pain, infrequent fatigue, and a host of other side affects caused by this medication.  I was scheduled for another bone marrow aspiration and it was determined that my bone marrow was hardening.  I discussed this with the doctor and advised him that I would no longer take such a high dosage of drugs, thereby having my dosage reduced.  I was not very pleased with this doctor and consequently did some extensive research and ended up with the specialist I now have.  Unlike with the previous specialists, this specialist informed me of other alternatives, none of which of course were holistic, which were explained to me and gave me an opportunity to choose which method of treatment I would rather have.  I opted to stay w/the Hydrea.  I have now been on the Hydrea for 11 yrs.  As with all previous specialists, and with medication, as I am monitored every 3-4 months, my platelets have continued to be in the mid-500s to 700s.  I currently take 2 500mg hydrea twice a day.  I have read the comments from others who have this condition and we all have similar concerns. . .lukemia, stroke (if med stopped), etc.  What can I do, who can I turn to?  I want to get off this drug, but am fearful of the outcome. Doctor: Hi,Welcome to health care magic and thanks for asking.After going through the clinical and drug history, I seem to agree with you.Hydroxyurea, if taken for a long time does lead to increased risk of leukemia. However, if stopped, increased platelet count could lead to increased blood viscosity and chances of stroke are high.Options include regular plateletpheresis or changing over to anagrelide for short periods in between.Other options includes reducing dose and close follow up for development of leukemia and having an option to treat at an early stage.You can also add aspirin to reduce the risk of thrombosis.Any further queries, happy to help again.