PRV and itching
Posted , 4 users are following.
I have been diagnosed with PRV for a couple of years and was on hydroxy for most of this time with no apparent side effects but always had itching after a cool shower. A few months ago the itching started so I asked to be taken off hydroxy. I have been off it for about four months but the itching is still there and over the last few weeks it has got unbearable especially in bed at night. I cannot sleep or even read. I have to get out of bed and pace round for two to three hours until the itching stops. The good news is that my readings are fine even after no hydroxy or venesections for over four months. I saw a dermatologist about the itching but was told that it just happens with PRV but he suggested I try and was prescribed Amitriptyline.This seems to work BUT the notes say do not take if you have an enlarged prostate and guess what, I have one. I would love to hear from anyone who has had similar itching or anyone who has any suggestions.
0 likes, 8 replies
margo82957 jim27451
Posted
I also have itching. My hemotologist suggested Eucerin. It did not help. I too would like any suggestion to stop the itching. I have polycythemia vera now for 2yrs. my medication is Jakafi. 5mg twice a day.
glenn_76104 jim27451
Posted
Hi Jim I had a similar thing my itching stop at 1st but then after going on Hydroxycarmide for a few months the itching returned especially at bedtime I spoke to my Consultant and he said it happens sometimes to stop it he said he could give me a tablet which wasn't really for the itching but it would help, but the tablet was an anti depression tablet I decided to try it and it has worked but I don't know if I'll be on it forever
margo82957 jim27451
Posted
Hi Jim,
An antidepression pill for itching? Who would of thought of that? Thank you so much. I will ask my doctor.Is it a prescription??
glenn_76104 margo82957
Posted
Hi Margo yes it's on prescription
Glenn
jim27451 margo82957
Posted
Yep like most drugs the side effects sometime can sometimes treat other ailments , hydroxy is a perfect example of this
jim27451 margo82957
Posted
Margo,
thanks for your input. The consultant who suggested I try Amitriptyline said it is a n old anti depressent not often used nowadays. Rereading the notes in the pack it says it is used to treat neuropathic pain in adults. It was suggested that I start with 10mg before bed and after a week try 20mg nightly although 10mg seems to have done the trick.
jim27451
Posted
Thanks folks for taking the time to reply. I know the itching is a neurologic "pain" and so aspirin, paracetamol etc are no use but I was hoping to find an over the counter medcine that can help. A specialist prescribed Amitriptyline which works but make me drowsy. I am looking for something I can take during the day and drive, chain saw etc!!😀
angela_o..o jim27451
Posted
If you have access to a bath rather than a shower, I have had some success with bicarbonate of soda put into the bath water.
I used about a dessert spoon of bicarb in a normal bathful of water.
When I read about this I had my doubts but it did seem to work. At least the itching stopped. Maybe a coincidence of course.
It has been a while since I had the itching.