Living With Thrombocythemia or Thrombocytosis

If you have thrombocythemia or thrombocytosis, it's important to:

• Get regular medical care.
• Stop smoking and control risk factors for blood clots, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of blood clots and bleeding and report them to your doctor right away.
• Take all medicines as prescribed.

If you're taking medicines to lower your platelet count, tell your doctor or dentist about them before any surgical or dental procedures. These medicines thin your blood and may increase bleeding during such procedures.

Medicines that thin the blood also may cause internal bleeding. Signs of internal bleeding include bruises, bloody or tarry-looking stools, pink or bloody urine, increased menstrual bleeding, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds. Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these signs.

Avoid over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen (except Tylenol^®). These medicines may raise your risk for bleeding in the stomach or intestines and may limit the effect of aspirin. Be aware that cold and pain medicines and other over-the-counter remedies may contain ibuprofen.