Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a form of blood cancer. Another name for this type of disease is myeloproliferative disease. This means your bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. Bone marrow is the spongy center of long bones where blood cells are produced. If you have PV, your bone marrow may also make too many white blood cells and clotting cells (platelets).
Almost all people with PV have an abnormal gene (genetic mutation) that causes changes in the way the bone marrow makes blood cells. This gene is called JAK2. The gene is not passed down through families.
PV is a long-term disease that tends to get worse over time. You may have overproduction of blood cells in your liver and spleen. These organs may become …show more content…
There are several types of treatment. No single treatment works for everyone. You will need to work with a blood cancer specialist (hematologist) to find the best treatment for you. Options include:
• Periodic blood draws to lower red blood cells (phlebotomy).
• Medication. Your health care provider may recommend: o Low-dose aspirin to reduce risk of blood clots. o A drug to reduce red blood cell production (hydroxyurea). o A drug to reduce red blood cells (interferon). o A drug that inhibits the effects of JAK2 (ruxolitinib).
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not use tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have side effects from your medications.
• Your symptoms change or get worse at home.
• You have blood in your stool or you vomit blood.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have sudden and severe abdominal pain.
• You have chest pain or difficulty
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a form of blood cancer. Another name for this type of disease is myeloproliferative disease. This means your bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. Bone marrow is the spongy center of long bones where blood cells are produced. If you have PV, your bone marrow may also make too many white blood cells and clotting cells (platelets).
Almost all people with PV have an abnormal gene (genetic mutation) that causes changes in the way the bone marrow makes blood cells. This gene is called JAK2. The gene is not passed down through families.
PV is a long-term disease that tends to get worse over time. You may have overproduction of blood cells in your liver and spleen. These organs may become …show more content…
There are several types of treatment. No single treatment works for everyone. You will need to work with a blood cancer specialist (hematologist) to find the best treatment for you. Options include:
• Periodic blood draws to lower red blood cells (phlebotomy).
• Medication. Your health care provider may recommend: o Low-dose aspirin to reduce risk of blood clots. o A drug to reduce red blood cell production (hydroxyurea). o A drug to reduce red blood cells (interferon). o A drug that inhibits the effects of JAK2 (ruxolitinib).
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not use tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have side effects from your medications.
• Your symptoms change or get worse at home.
• You have blood in your stool or you vomit blood.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have sudden and severe abdominal pain.
• You have chest pain or difficulty