Polycythemia Vera | Treatment


What is the treatment?

There is no single treatment for PV. Doctors must adjust the treatment for each patient. Treatment may include a phlebotomy (say: "flah-bot-oh-mee"). In this treatment, some of your blood is removed to help keep the number of red blood cells down and lower the risk of blood clots. Treatment may also include a medicine that keeps the bone marrow from making too many red blood cells or to help reduce the risk of blood clots. Doctors can also treat the itchy skin and burning pain that you may experience.

There is currently no cure for PV. The goal is to make your life better by treating the symptoms and helping you to live longer.



Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff

Reviewed/Updated: 04/14
Created: 01/05