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Real members of myMPNteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does hydroxurea cause you to lose your hair??? And does it ACTUALLY make you smell like urine??? I read these things online.

A myMPNteam Member asked a question 💭
The Dalles, OR
May 17, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences regarding whether hydroxurea causes hair loss and body odor, with most confirming some degree of hair... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences regarding whether hydroxurea causes hair loss and body odor, with most confirming some degree of hair thinning but no universal pattern of severity or smell. Several members offered practical coping strategies, including cutting hair very short with clippers to reduce frustration over shedding, staying well-hydrated to minimize potential ammonia-like odors, and using wigs or hats when thinning becomes more pronounced. A recurring theme was that individual responses to the medication vary widely, with some experiencing noticeable side effects that resolved after stopping the drug, while others found the changes manageable or minimal over years of use.

A myMPNteam Member

My hair thinned and got frizzy -- but never to the point that I considered shaving it. I also developed very noticeable body odor, which I could not wash away, though it didn't smell like urine to me. My sense of smell was also altered. All three of those issues have been resolved since going off HU., which wasn't really working for me anyway. Everyone's different.

July 21, 2023
A myMPNteam Member

My hair thinned but I was also on interferon as for urine smell no but you need to keep hydrated

May 17, 2023
A myMPNteam Member

I know that losing hair is a possible side effect of Hydroxurea. I seem to have lost a little more than I typically do, but I have a head full of hair. I don't think it makes you smell like urine, at least no one has mentioned it! lol

May 17, 2023
A myMPNteam Member

Unfortunately I've got alopecia so taking the hydroxyurea only compounded the thinning, so now I wear a wig or a hat

December 22, 2023
A myMPNteam Member

My hair thinned but nothing abt a smell.

November 19, 2023

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