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The symptom burden, complications and prognosis of polycythaemia vera

Introduction

Polycythaemia vera (PV) is one of three common BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) – myeloid disorders that affect multipotent haematopoietic stem cells.

PV is characterised by the overproduction of red blood cells, resulting in erythrocytosis, and often leukocytosis and thrombocytosis.1,2 Patients with PV suffer from a substantial symptom burden which can cause emotional hardship and negatively affect their quality of life.3,4

Learning objectives

  • Increase awareness of PV, including diagnostic criteria and typical prognosis
  • Recognise the range of symptoms experienced by patients with PV, and understand why they occur
  • Understand the risks and signs of disease progression and potential for major thrombotic events

Multiple-choice questions to test your current knowledge

These questions will help you assess your current knowledge of this topic before you begin to work on the module. Your answers will be marked but will not count towards your final score. You will be asked the same questions again at the end of the module and will be able to download a learning certificate for your records upon completion.

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BSH: British Society for Haematology; BCR-ABL: breakpoint cluster region-Abelson fusion gene; JAK2: Janus kinase-2

JAKAVI® (ruxolitinib) is indicated for adult patients with PV who are resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea (also referred to as hydroxycarbamide in the UK).5

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse events should also be reported to Novartis online through the pharmacovigilance intake (PVI) tool at www.novartis.com/report or alternatively email medinfo.uk@novartis.com or call 01276 698370.

References
  1. Fox S, Griffin L, Robinson Harris D. Polycythemia vera: rapid evidence review. Am Fam Physician 2021;103(11):680-687
  2. Tefferi A, Barbui T. Polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia: 2021 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification and management. Am J Hematol 2020;95(12):1599-1613
  3. Harrison C, Mathias J et al. UK results from the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) landmark survey on the symptom, emotional and economic burden of MPN. Br J Haematol 2019;186(3):e1-e4
  4. Harrison C N, Koschmieder S et al. The impact of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) on patient quality of life and productivity: results from the international MPN Landmark survey. Ann Hematol 2017;96(10):1653-1665
  5. JAKAVI® Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.medicines.org.uk (for GB) or www.emcmedicines.com (for NI). Accessed November 2024