Part 2 in a New Series: “Addressing MPN Symptoms” by David Wallace This is no great “epiphany moment” article, just a quick report on a real myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) symptom I experience from time to time. Most mornings, I make a healthy smoothie to get me up and rolling. This morning I grabbed the wrong […]
Mast Cells and Histamine in MPN Related Itching Explained
2023 Update Pepcid is one of the preferred options (H2 blocker) in combination with Zyrtec (H1 blocker) to combat itching in MPNs. This change was necessary since Zantac was taken off the market due to concerns that it contained dangerous levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is classified as a “probable human carcinogen.” Carcinogens are substances that […]
Over the Counter Combo of Zyrtec and Zantac helping PV patients get relief from Itching!
Part 1 in a New Series: “Addressing MPN Symptoms” by David Wallace 2024 Update Polycythemia vera patients suffering from intense itching have long relied on a combination of over-the-counter medications for relief, commonly known as the “Z and Z combo” – Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Zantac (ranitidine). However, in 2020, Zantac faced a widespread recall due […]
PV For Newbies – A Patient’s Perspective
by Dave Stewart YOU’VE JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH PV… …and now, most likely, you’re looking online for info…anything…to tell you what to expect, what’s next, how long you’re going to live… First things first – Don’t panic. Easier said than done, but learning how to control your stress and keep it at a healthy level […]
Strategies to Beat Itching in Polycythemia Vera
How Can I Beat the Itchies? contributed by Paul Jaeger I was suffering from itching (pruritis) almost 10 years before my Polycythemia Vera was diagnosed. It’s the worst symptom my disease/condition has brought so far, although the doctor promises death at some point in my future. I had to give her $150 to tell me […]
