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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Hydrea Prescribed For Polycythemia Vera Cause Shortness Of Breath And Brain Fog?

I am currently under treatment for polycythemia vera and am taking hydrea 3 times a day. Since my dosage has increased yet again to 3 x a day, I seem to be experiencing side effects - shortness of breath, pain in back, neck and shoulders, some dizziness, lots of brain fog, some joint pain. Are these common side effects? I never experienced these until my dosage was increased and it is continuing to get worse. Should I see my hematologist before my scheduled appointment (3 weeks)? My e-mail is YYYY@YYYY . Thank you.
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Hydrea is hydroxyurea used for treatment of polycythemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, essential thrombocythemia, sickle cell anaemia etc. It can change to the lungs included fluid on the lung and inflammation causing shortness of breath or trouble breathing and cough. Again, it can allergic reaction like rash, hives, itching, wheezing, tightness in chest, shortness of breath, swelling of mouth, face, lips, tongue and throat. It can reduce the white blood cell counts and makes the body more vulnerable to develop Infections. Thus increases the chance of respiratory tract Infections and breathing difficulties.

It has effects on brain and develop central neurotoxicity or commonly known as brainfog .It can cause confusion, cognitive problems, memory loss, lack of sharp focus, disrupts balance and movement, dizzy spells etc. Other side effects are fever, bodyache, nausea, vomiting, back pain, joint pain, diarrhea, constipation, vertigo, fatigue etc. If you want, you can contact with your hematologist.

Take care. Hope I have answered your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General and Family Physician,
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Does Hydrea Prescribed For Polycythemia Vera Cause Shortness Of Breath And Brain Fog?

Hi, Hydrea is hydroxyurea used for treatment of polycythemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, essential thrombocythemia, sickle cell anaemia etc. It can change to the lungs included fluid on the lung and inflammation causing shortness of breath or trouble breathing and cough. Again, it can allergic reaction like rash, hives, itching, wheezing, tightness in chest, shortness of breath, swelling of mouth, face, lips, tongue and throat. It can reduce the white blood cell counts and makes the body more vulnerable to develop Infections. Thus increases the chance of respiratory tract Infections and breathing difficulties. It has effects on brain and develop central neurotoxicity or commonly known as brainfog .It can cause confusion, cognitive problems, memory loss, lack of sharp focus, disrupts balance and movement, dizzy spells etc. Other side effects are fever, bodyache, nausea, vomiting, back pain, joint pain, diarrhea, constipation, vertigo, fatigue etc. If you want, you can contact with your hematologist. Take care. Hope I have answered your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Zubayer Alam, General and Family Physician,