Can someone take Ruxolitinib 5 mg for myeloproliferative neoplasm?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 57-year-old female. I am suffering from myeloproliferative neoplasm. I have been prescribed Ruxolitinib 5 mg twice daily, which I have not started yet. Should I take this medication?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Thank you for your query.
I understand your concern. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a heterogeneous group of disorders of the hematopoietic stem cells. They can share a common genetic basis. From what you mentioned, it is unclear which type of MPN you are diagnosed with. But given the fact that you have 30 leukocytes, this may be Myelofibrosis. If this is the case of Myelofibrosis, then your risk is between intermediate two and high risk because leukocytes are 30, hemoglobin may be below 10, and you need transfusions.
In that case, you are indicated for either observation or treatment with Ruxolitinib. If you have constitutional symptoms and an enlarged spleen, I would suggest Jakavi treatment because it will ease your symptoms, decrease splenomegaly, and improve your quality of life. There is a slight chance that it may improve the disease course. But it may worsen anemia and cause other non-hematologic toxicities, making it necessary to adjust the dose.
I hope this has helped you.
Thank you.
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