Managing Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera (Pv)

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800-813-HOPE (4673) [email protected] www.cancercare.org fact sheet Polycythemia Vera (P Managing S with your treatment. make sure they won’t interfere before taking any medications to itching. Talk withyour doctor and others) can helpwithsevere like diphenhydramine (Benadryl Over-the-counter antihistamines and increase theriskof infection. scratching can damage theskin your skinmoist. Try not to scratch; yourself dryand use lotion to keep in thewinter. After bathing, pat shower orbath water, especially lower thetemperature of your drying outandbecoming itchy, Itching. To keep your skinfrom future attacks. is often prescribed to prevent allopurinol (Zyloprim andothers) to control aflare-up of gout; can prescribe various medications pain in thebigtoe. Your doctor swelling inoneormany joints or Gout. Signsof gout include blood circulation. the legs andankles improves clots. Exercising andstretching which decreases theriskof blood and can also improve blood flow, your strength andenergy level program. Walking can improve F take to cope withtem: practical steps you can symptoms ofP Here aresome common atigue. Start agradual exercise experience thebest quality of life. long-term diagnosis so that you can team know how to best manage this time, thiswillhelpyour health care they affect your dailyactivities. Over track of your symptoms andhow vera (P If you are coping withpolycythemia V), itisimportant to keep V, along with ymptoms of free beverages are amongthebest non-alcoholic drinksand sugar- blood from thickening. Plain water, to stay well hydrated to keep your Drink plenty of fluids. It’s important grains andlegumes. withfruits,portions vegetables, else: eat alow-fat diet insensible PV are thesame asfor everyone the guidelines for peoplewith maintain your weight. Ingeneral, Exercise andeat ahealthy diet to your P will helpyou better manage your o It’s important to focus on professional oncology social worker. may also benefit from thehelp of a friend orloved onecan help. You talking withafamily member, Emotional distress. Sometimes, best for you. can determine thedosage that is with these symptoms. Your doctor hands andfeet. Aspirinmay help burning, redness orswelling of the Headaches andvisionproblems; V: verall health, w hic V) (over) choices. Try to drink six to eight eight-ounce Stick with your treatment plan. Be sure to keep glasses of fluids each day. It’s fine to sip them all your appointments for blood tests, doctor’s slowly throughout the day. visits and treatments such as phlebotomy or interferon injections. Adhering to the plan is the Avoid tobacco. Smoking can cause the blood best way to improve your health and quality of life. vessels to narrow, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke due to blood clots. Smoking also can lead to lung and many other cancers, as well Here are some other potential as the chronic lung disease emphysema. symptoms of PV that you should report to your doctor immediately: Protect yourself from the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning beds • Changes in vision or difficulty with speech and sun lamps can damage your skin. Avoid the • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Chest discomfort or difficulty breathing and use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. When you are outdoors, • Severe pain or swelling in the stomach or spleen wear protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat • Swelling, tightness or redness in a limb, and UV-blocking sunglasses. particularly the leg Take extra care of your hands and feet. People • Change in color of the fingers or toes with PV who have poor circulation may be more • Bleeding or blood in the stool prone to injuries from cold and heat. Wear • Weight loss warm gloves, socks and shoes during the winter • Fevers or drenching sweats months. Avoid hot tubs and heated whirlpools. • Symptoms of anemia such as lightheadedness Stay in close touch with your health care team. or an increase in fatigue Your doctor has created a detailed treatment plan that will allow you to live a healthier and more productive life. To maintain your health, report to your health care team any new symptoms you are feeling as well as any other medications you are taking.

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This fact sheet was made possible by Incyte Corporation.