Hydroxyurea and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Mer...
• January 4, 2012

Hydroxyurea for Thrombocythemia "I am on Hydrea due to Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia with platelet counts over 2 million. I am very young (21) and have been taking Hydrea for 1 year and a half now. Though it has lowered my platelets, I have recurrent anemia and infections (most recently in the lungs). In the beginning, I was very tired, had shaky legs, skin would easily bruise, felt drugged up from time to time, experienced depression, muscle pain, burning sensation in legs which was severe and decreased after 5 months, brain fog, and stomach pain (still common). The most common symptom would be an enlarged spleen with pain. I've had severe neurological side effects that have been gradually decreasing with time. Nevertheless, Hydrea, compared to Anagrelide and Interferon, is by far the medication I tolerate the best."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2016

For Thrombocythemia "Bad side effects (or what I would consider bad side effects and not to be tolerated) - 71-year-old female, 58 kgs: been taking 500 mg a day for approximately 2 and a half months. Recently experienced fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, lack of appetite - enough that I could not function and spent days in bed. Waited 5 days, took another dose, and was back in the same position the next day. Decided to stop medication for the next few weeks. Blood test due in 2 weeks and see specialist in December."

• T40...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2019

For Thrombocythemia "Female, age 40, essential thrombocythemia (ET) diagnosis for over 11 years. Was on hydroxyurea about 8 years ago and wasn’t feeling anywhere near as poorly as now, on one tablet a day for the last two weeks. Platelets before I started were about 1100. Platelets went down a bit after the first check and due back next week. Generally, I feel extremely tired, brain fog, difficulty concerning and verbalizing, not eating much but gaining weight. I would be asking to go back on interferon next time I see my consultant. I need to be on treatment as high levels are giving me extreme headaches. I’m from Ireland, so only pay up to €120 p/m for all my prescriptions, the rest is covered by my taxes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 7, 2025

For Thrombocythemia "Hydrea 500 mg x 6 days per week keeps my platelets in the range of 150-400. I have taken these drugs for over 30 plus years. I am now 68 years old. Apart from feeling a little tired at 4 pm each day (now I am older), it’s nothing a short nap can’t remedy. My lifestyle is full, I am a mother of three grown sons and a grandmother of four. I swim and hike and lead an active life. I have no impairment with using this drug for a long time. I do take 75 mg of enteric-coated aspirin per day also. I am very grateful for this drug."

• gre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 15, 2023

For Thrombocythemia "Worked well to control platelet count. Caused muscle soreness, hair loss, joint pain, increased depression, exhaustion, and possibly 'chemo brain.'"