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May 14
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A myMPNteam Member

It’s the Hydrea, and only began with me at very high doses needed to control my transformation from ET to PV in 2023.

May 14
myMPNteam

Great question! Mouth sores can actually come from both sources, so it's worth knowing the difference.

Hydroxyurea (you were close on the spelling!) is a common culprit. As a chemotherapy-based medication, it can cause mouth sores as a side effect, along with other gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and Show Full Answer

Great question! Mouth sores can actually come from both sources, so it's worth knowing the difference.

Hydroxyurea (you were close on the spelling!) is a common culprit. As a chemotherapy-based medication, it can cause mouth sores as a side effect, along with other gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. The MPN itself can also be a factor. Some autoimmune conditions that develop alongside MPNs — like Crohn's disease — can cause sores in the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth.

Here are a few tips shared by myMPNteam members for managing treatment-related stomach and mouth issues:

- Taking hydroxyurea with food rather than on an empty stomach
- Taking it before bed to reduce nausea
- Using antacids like Pepcid or Tums, especially at bedtime

It's always worth mentioning mouth sores to your doctor, as they can help pinpoint the cause and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

May 14
A myMPNteam Member

For me, it’s likely more the disease vs HU. I struggled with mouth sores years before I was diagnosed. In hindsight I now realize it was likely the first symptom. They show up randomly, hurt like anything and go away. I had a couple biopsied several years apart and nothing of note. They seem non-specific.

May 14
A myMPNteam Member

Definitely the Hydrea, I suffered terribly. Vital to have your folate and B12 checked as these are essential to oral health, I was deficient in both, and supplementing to get my levels right at the top of normal range pretty much cured the very worst inflammation. It isn't enough to be a low end. My folate has to be circa 18 and B12 over 800. Also worth checking vitamin D too!

May 14

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