Follow up on JAKAVI

Posted , 4 users are following.

As promised here are the latest news on taking JAKAVI for 2 months now. No adverse side effects and I feel better than ever. Saw my specialist this morning and my numbers are better than on Hydroxyurea. Someone might understand it better than I do (feel free to clarify) but it has something to do with my white blood cells (leucocytes) that were getting bigger on Hydrea and are now normal. My Dr says that my pronostics of a longer healthier illness just got better. 

Very good news!

Marie

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Marie,

    That is great news!   i go for my first appointment with my oncologist tomorrow and am placing my Faith in God that the diagnosis by my GP was totally incorrect.  Again - very happy for you! 

  • Posted

    Hi Marie are these 2 tablets the chemo tablets and are they the most common

    Glenn

    • Posted

      HI Glenn, 

      Jakavi is not the first medication they give you. Usually they will start with Hydroxyurea which is the chemo you are probably refering to. Jakavi is very expensive and newer, they use it if hydroxyurea doesn’t work or has bad side effects.

  • Posted

    Hi Marie-Jos,

    It is good to hear that you are progressing favourably with Jakavi.  I have been using this therapy for three years now and can only concur with your findings with this medication.  You will probably find that as time passes the dosage can be reduced a little (if you are not already on the lowest dose) but I can say I have not had any unfavourable symptoms or effects so far).  Be aware though that it is a newish addition to the drug treatment regime for PV etc. and that the long-term results are currently unknown.  I too took hydroxycarbamide (Urea) for many years but it caused me great difficulties and it became necessary for me to be prescribed with Jakavi.  Hydroxy I feel, is suited to initial use as a treatment but it needs careful consideration and control.  My blood readings have been normal now with Jakavi for the past 18 months.  Hydroxy was once the best available treatment for PV sufferers but had its limitations as it was originally a favourable treatment for leukaemia and similar.  I expect you will find your blood results improve as time passes.  I am aware that occasionally some patients cannot use Jakavi but it is more a rarity.  I wish you luck for the future.

    Peter.

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