Polycythemia Vera

Polycythemia Vera - Treatments

The treatment of polycythaemia vera is two-pronged:

Decrease the risk of blood clots through the use of “blood thinners” such as antiplatelet agents like aspirin or anticoagulation therapies.

Good control of pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes mellitus also helps to decrease the risk of blood clot.

A healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and a healthy diet is also recommended.

Reduction of red blood cell concentration

This can be achieved by:

Venesection which is the removal of a volume of blood from a vein at regular intervals to reduce the amount of red blood cells.
Medication to control the level of red blood cells such as hydroxyurea, PEGylated interferon

Polycythemia Vera - Preparing for surgery

Polycythemia Vera - Post-surgery care

Polycythemia Vera - Other Information

Blood Cancer,

Aspirin,

Hydroxyurea,

Pegylated Interferon alpha-2a

Article contributed by Haematology, Singapore General Hospital

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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