This drug lowers the number of blood cells produced by your bone marrow. Hydroxycarbamide (formerly known as hydroxyurea) goes under the brand name Hydrea® and is a very common treatment for all myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Hydroxycarbamide comes as a capsule and is taken orally. Most people who take the drug in low doses find that…
Your haematologist can advise if this drug is suitable for you. Low-dose cytarabine is sometimes prescribed to treat myelofibrosis (MF). It is given by injection twice a day or sometimes by infusion. Sometimes this drug needs to be given in hospital. This drug interferes with the production of cells in the bone marrow. Your haematologist…
Low-dose aspirin, an anti-platelet drug, is an excellent choice for many. Aspirin is classed as a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug. This means that it reduces inflammation but does not contain steroids. Aspirin is a drug that is very familiar to most people. It’s a medication that most of us have taken at one time or…
Integrative treatment means bringing the best of conventional medicine together with the best of therapies from other traditions. This approach looks at your health as a whole and from many different perspectives. Consider your overall needs In the case of MPNs, integrative treatment means looking past your blood counts and the medication you take to…
Anagrelide can be used to treat Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET), Polycythaemia Vera (PV) and Myelofibrosis (MF). Anagrelide is one possible drug that your haematologist may recommend to treat your MPN. In Europe, Anagrelide is licensed as a second line treatment ––the medication hydroxycarbamide [hydroxycarbamide treatments] is prescribed as a first-line treatment. If hydroxycarbamide is not suitable…
For patients living with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) it pays to know the terrain when planning a move abroad. Many people in the UK choose to live abroad, often in France, Spain or Greece. If you are living on the continent, you will often need to plan ahead for your medical care. Know the turf If…
Being diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) doesn’t mean that you can never travel abroad or go on holiday again, but it is advisable to plan ahead with researching the right insurance and ensuring you have the correct medication before you travel. Medical advice Tell your medical team: Always consult with your medical care team, the…
Travelling can be an exciting and happy time and with careful planning most patients with well controlled myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can travel safely. Always check first with your haematology team. Take a supply Make sure you that have enough supply of all your medications on hand to cover your needs during the entire length of…
Anyone diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), or indeed other illness, in paid employment, is entitled to being treated fairly at work and where reasonable employers should make changes to let you do your job whilst receiving ongoing treatment. Several legal acts are in place to protect employees, job applicants and people who are self-employed.…
MPDs reclassified In 2008 the World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified myeloproliferative disorders (all MPDs including myelofibrosis (MF), polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET) as “myeloproliferative neoplasms”. This is an important change if you are receiving treatment for MPNs. From April 2009 all people in England receiving medication for the treatment of cancer, including MPNs, have been…