Toxicity and side effects of hydroxyurea used for primary thrombocythemia

Over the last 20 years a vast array of data has been accumulated on the efficacy of hydroxyurea (HU) in patients with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). However, several side effects have been described as well. Besides many anecdotal reports, no evaluation of their prevalence and type exists in large series of treated patients. We report here the side effects of HU in a retrospective, single institution, cohort study of 152 patients suffering from MPD with thrombocytosis (median follow-up 8.13 years). In 6.5% of patients drug failure was registered. Unwanted side-effects (five symptomatic macrocytic anemia, two fever reactions, two allergic reactions, four cases each of leg painful ulcers, three acute leukemia or myelodysplasia) induced to withdraw therapy in 16 patients. Three cases of nail pigmentation were observed. In our experience, HU showed to be an effective and safe drug in most patients with MPD. Prompt recognition of side effects, which have been mostly minor and rapidly subsiding on drug withdrawal, is in any case crucial to avoid more severe complications.