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What can you do to manage polycythemia vera?
- Blood withdrawals. The most common treatment for polychythemia vera is having frequent blood withdrawals, using a needle…
- Treatments to reduce itching. If you have bothersome itching, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as…
- Drugs that reduce the number of red blood cells. If phlebotomy alone doesn’t help enough, your doctor may suggest…
What are my treatment options for polycythemia vera?
Treatment
- Blood withdrawals. The most common treatment for polychythemia vera is having frequent blood withdrawals, using a needle in a vein (phlebotomy).
- Treatments to reduce itching. ...
- Drugs that reduce the number of red blood cells. ...
- Heart medications. ...
What are the different types of polycythemia vera treatment?
Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- Does anything worsen your symptoms?
What drugs are used to treat polycythemia vera?
Treatments include: 6
- Phlebotomy is used to remove blood from the body Like a blood donation, a line is inserted into a vein and blood is collected in a blood collection bag. ...
- Aspirin is used to prevent blood clots.
- Medications include Droxia (hydroxyurea), Multiferon ( interferon alpha ), and Jakafi (ruxolitinib phosphate), a JAK inhibitor. ...
How is polycythemia vera diagnosed and treated?
Is polycythemia vera life threatening?
Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
Is polycythemia vera a cancer?
Overview. Polycythemia vera (pol-e-sy-THEE-me-uh VEER-uh) is a type of blood cancer. It causes your bone marrow to make too many red blood cells. These excess cells thicken your blood, slowing its flow, which may cause serious problems, such as blood clots.
What is polycythemia vera caused by?
Polycythemia vera is caused by a malignant change in the genetic material (DNA) within a single cell of the bone marrow (clonal disorder). Bone marrow is the soft, spongy material found inside bone where most blood cell production occurs. The underlying reason why this malignant change occurs is unknown.
What is the life expectancy of someone with polycythemia vera?
Recent studies estimate the average life expectancy after diagnosis with polycythemia vera to be about 20 years. The average age of death is about 77. The most common cause of death is complications from blood clots (about 33%).
How often does polycythemia vera turn into leukemia?
Polycythemia vera transforms to acute leukemia (blast phase) 10 years after diagnosis in about 10% of cases. Patients who progress to the blast phase respond to treatment poorly and have a median survival of only 3 to 6 months after the start of the blast phase.
What is difference between polycythemia and polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia, also called erythrocytosis, refers to an increase in red blood cell mass, noted on laboratory evaluation as increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Polycythemia vera is a subtype of polycythemia and is associated with the overproduction of all 3 cell lines.
What foods to avoid if you have polycythemia?
Avoid refined foods, such as white processed sugar, bread and junk food to control inflammation as they may contain high-fat content and can increase chances of blood thickening. Avoid red meat completely and choose lean meats like chicken, cold-water fish (in moderation), pulses and beans, nuts and seeds for protein.
What are the most common symptoms of polycythemia?
Symptoms of polycythaemiaheadaches.blurred vision.red skin – particularly in the face, hands and feet.tiredness.high blood pressure.dizziness.discomfort in the tummy.confusion.More items...
Does polycythemia vera affect the brain?
It can cause thrombotic diseases, especially cerebral infarction. A previous study revealed that in more than 15% of patients, PV is first manifested as cerebral infarction.
Can you live 40 years with polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.
Can you live a normal life with polycythemia vera?
Many people with their rare blood cancer live a normal life. The key is to keep the disease under control. That will help avoid complications like blood clots, which can happen because polycythemia vera thickens your blood.
Can polycythemia go away?
There's no cure for polycythemia vera. Treatment focuses on reducing your risk of complications. These treatments may also ease your symptoms.
What is the treatment for bone marrow thinning?
Each drug is different, so your doctor will talk with you about side effects and what the latest research shows. Radiation Therapy. This treatment slows red blood cell production in bone marrow, which thins your blood and helps it flow more easily.
Why do you get phlebotomy?
You may get phlebotomy when your doctor first tells you that you have PV. It's a lot like donating blood.
Does hydroxurea help with phlebotomy?
Hydroxyurea is a cancer drug that slows down the growth of new cells in your body. In PV, it lowers the number of red blood cells and platelets, which are cells that help blood clot. If you take this drug, you may not need phlebotomy. Hydroxyurea can also prevent or treat an enlarged spleen -- a complication of PV.
How to diagnose polycythemia vera?
How do doctors diagnose polycythemia vera (PV)? To diagnose PV, your doctor will perform a test called a complete blood count (CBC) to see if your number of red blood cells is higher than normal. Your doctor may also test your blood to look for amounts of a hormone called erythropoietin.
What is the best medicine for PV?
Some people with PV take aspirin every day because it helps thin the blood. Two other drugs used to treat PV are ruxolitininib (Jakafi®), which is used for patients who do not respond to or cannot take hydroxyurea. Pegylated interferon (Pegasis®), is used to treat hepatitis C.
How does phlebotomy work?
By removing iron from the body, the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow slows down. During phlebotomy, a health professional will insert a needle into a vein and drain blood through a tube into a container.
Is there a cure for PV?
There is no cure for PV. People with the condition usually need treatment their entire lives. Regular doctor visits and blood tests can help ensure the disease does not get worse. PV treatment helps you manage the disorder to ease symptoms and avoid complications for a healthier life.
What is polycythemia vera?
Understand all your treatment options for polycythemia vera. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic form of non life-threatening blood cancer.
What to do if PV doesn't respond to aspirin?
Drug Treatment Options. If your PV doesn’t respond well to an aspirin and phlebotomy regimen, your next option is prescription drugs. Hydroxyurea is a prescription drug and will likely be the first course of action after initial treatment. It’s considered a mild form of chemotherapy.
How long can you live with PV?
When you’re properly treated, you’ll be able to live a productive life with PV for many years.
Is hydroxyurea a form of chemotherapy?
It’s considered a mild form of chemotherapy. It limits the number of cells made by the bone marrow and is usually taken if you’re at higher risk than others for blood clots. Some common side effects of hydroxyurea include allergic reactions, low blood counts, infection, and others.
Is there a cure for PV?
Because there’s no complete cure for PV, advances in research and treatments are ongoing. The discovery of the JAK2 gene and its mutation was a huge step forward in the understanding of PV. A search for the cause of this mutation continues, and once it’s found, you may see even more advances in treatment options.
Can you get PV after bone marrow transplant?
After a successful bone marrow transplant, you will no longer have symptoms of PV. This is because the stem cells, where the disease originates, will be replaced. However, complications from a bone marrow transplant can be serious. This includes rejection of the stem cells by your body and damage to your organs.
What is the condition where blood cells are increased?
Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells. The increase in blood cells makes your blood thicker. This can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.
Is there a cure for polycythemia vera?
There is no cure for polycythemia vera, but proper treatment can help to reduce or delay any problems. Work with your healthcare provider to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. You should also be physically active in order to increase your heart rate and improve your blood flow.
Can polycythemia vera cause a heart attack?
Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Liver and spleen enlargement are other possible complications.
What is the goal of treating secondary polycythemia?
The goal of treating secondary polycythemia is to control its underlying cause, if possible. For example, if the cause is carbon monoxide exposure, the goal is to find the source of the carbon monoxide and fix or remove it.
How to treat PV?
Your doctor also may prescribe ultraviolet light treatment to help relieve your itching. Other ways to reduce itching include: Avoiding hot baths.
How does a phlebotomy procedure work?
For this procedure, a needle is inserted into one of your veins. Blood from the vein flows through an airtight tube into a sterile container or bag. The process is similar to the process of donating blood. Phlebotomy reduces your red blood cell count and starts to bring your blood thickness closer to normal.
What is the treatment for itching in people with PV?
Researchers are studying other treatments for PV. An experimental treatment for itching involves taking low doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This type of medicine is used to treat depression. In clinical trials, SSRIs reduced itching in people who had PV.
What is the best medicine for bone marrow?
Examples of these medicines include hydroxyurea and interferon-alpha. Hydroxyurea is a medicine generally used to treat cancer. This medicine can reduce the number of red blood cells and platelets in your blood.
What are the goals of PV treatment?
Goals of Treatment. The goals of treating PV are to control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, especially heart attack and stroke. To do this, PV treatments reduce the number of red blood cells and the level of hemoglobin (an iron-rich protein) in the blood. This brings the thickness of your blood closer to normal.
Does interferon help with PV?
It also can be used to treat PV. Interferon-alpha can prompt your immune system to fight overactive bone marrow cells.
How does polycythemia progress?
How Does Polycythemia Vera Progress? Polycythemia vera, also called “PV,” is a chronic blood disorder in which a person’s bone marrow (the spongy tissue located in the center of your bones) makes too many red blood cells. People with PV also make too many white blood cells (the cells that fight infection) and platelets ...
What is PV symptom?
PV symptoms result primarily from an elevated red blood cell count. That said, a high number of platelets and white blood cells also play a role in certain symptoms and complications.
Why do people with PV have blurry vision?
Vision problems ranging from blurry or double vision to transient blindness may occur in PV. They are a result of delayed blood flow to the retina, since the blood of people with PV is thick and moves sluggishly and slowly.
What is the name of the disease where the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells?
Polycythemia vera, also called “PV,” is a chronic blood disorder in which a person’s bone marrow (the spongy tissue located in the center of your bones) makes too many red blood cells.
Is PV curable?
Although PV isn’t curable, there are multiple treatment options available for stalling its progression and managing symptoms for a long time. Understanding why your doctor recommends a specific one is an empowering way to play an active role in your care.
Is there a cure for PV?
Learning you have been diagnosed with PV can be distressing and naturally, you may wonder, "Will I be OK?" Although there is no cure, it’s still important to explore and get treatment . With the right one, you can successfully stall PV’s progression in your body and manage symptoms for a long time.
Improved treatments have increased survival
Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and expert in the field of brain health and neurological disorders. Dr. Moawad regularly writes and edits health and career content for medical books and publications.
What Is Polycythemia Vera?
Polycythemia vera is caused by an abnormality in the red blood cell production that begins in the bone marrow. Secondary polycythemia is a similar condition that occurs due to an underlying disease. Both conditions cause the body to make too many red blood cells, but secondary polycythemia is not considered a type of cancer.
Polycythemia Vera Life Expectancy
Polycythemia vera can lower a person’s life expectancy due to complications, including blood clots that can affect the heart, brain, lungs, or other organs. These effects may cause lasting disability and can be fatal. Survival rates have been increasing due to improved treatments.
After a Polycythemia Vera Diagnosis
If you are diagnosed with polycythemia vera or secondary polycythemia, you may need to start treatment. The treatment will depend on your red blood cell values, your symptoms, your risk factors for complications, and any complications that you have already experienced.
Continuing With Treatment
Treatment needs for polycythemia vera may change over time. You will need to have your red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit measured periodically to determine which treatments you should continue.
Summary
Polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia are conditions in which the body makes too many red blood cells. These conditions need to be treated because they can cause serious complications and may affect survival. With treatment, life expenctancy is substantially improved.
A Word From Verywell
Living with polycythemia vera or secondary polycythemia means that you have to be attentive to your health and your medical care. Treatment and surveillance of the effects of your disease must be consistent and lifelong. While polycythemia can present challenges, treatment will help improve your quality of life and life expectancy.