Polycythemia refers to an increased production of red blood cells. There can be many causes of this, including smoking, sleep apnea, or living at high altitudes.
Polycythemia Vera, or "P. Vera", also causes increased red blood cell production, and is almost always the result of a gene mutation known as "JAK2V617F."
P. Vera may increase the risk of a blood clot, such as a heart attack or stroke. Very rarely, it may transform into another disease such as myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukemia, however this often takes several decades.
Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys®) and ruxolitinib (Jakafi®) are common treatments for polycythemia vera. Please click on the treatment options below to learn more.
NOTE: Treatment Options listed below are not all-inclusive. Other treatments may be available. ChemoExperts provides drug information and does not recommend any one treatment over another. Only your Doctor can choose which therapy is appropriate for you.
