Treatment

Although there's no cure for essential thrombocythemia, treatments can control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Life span is expected to be normal despite the disease.

Treatment of essential thrombocythemia depends on your risk of blood clots or bleeding episodes. If you're younger than 60 and have had no signs or symptoms, you may simply need periodic medical checkups.

Your doctor may prescribe medication if:

• You're older than 60 and have had previous blood clots or TIAs
• You have cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes

Medication

Your doctor may suggest one of the following prescription drugs, perhaps along with low-dose aspirin, to reduce your platelet count:

• Hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea.) This drug is the most common prescription used for essential thrombocythemia. Side effects may include nausea, hair loss, discolored nails, and ulcers in the mouth or on the legs. Long-term use may slightly increase the risk of developing acute myelogenous leukemia. But the disease itself increases the risk of leukemia, so it's difficult to determine the exact impact of hydroxyurea.
• Anagrelide (Agrylin). Unlike hydroxyurea, anagrelide isn't associated with an increased risk of leukemia, but it's not considered as effective. Side effects may include fluid retention, heart problems, headaches, dizziness, nausea and diarrhea.
• Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) or peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys). These drugs are given by injection, and may cause worse side effects than hydroxyurea or anagrelide does. But it's the best choice for some people. Side effects may include flu-like symptoms, confusion, nausea, depression, diarrhea, seizures, irritability and sleepiness.

Emergency procedure

A medical procedure called plateletpheresis is used only in emergencies, such as after a stroke or other dangerous blood clotting. It involves passing your blood through a device that removes platelets and then returns the blood to your body. This temporarily lowers your platelet count.