Tag: Macrocytosis

Over 73% of pediatric patients with severe sickle cell anemia showed significant increases in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) during hydroxyurea treatment in one study. This increase in red blood cell size is a well-documented and expected pharmacological effect, demonstrating that yes, **can hydroxyurea increase MCV**. This phenomenon, known as macrocytosis, is often a marker of treatment effectiveness, particularly in conditions like sickle cell disease.

According to reputable medical sources, folic acid is often prescribed alongside hydroxyurea to prevent a specific side effect known as macrocytosis, which is an enlarging of red blood cells. This crucial co-administration is a key component of the treatment plan for patients taking hydroxyurea for conditions like sickle cell disease.

Medication-induced macrocytosis is the most common cause of elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in non-alcoholic patients. This means many everyday drugs can lead to an increase in red blood cell size, even without causing anemia. Identifying *what drugs cause high MCV* is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.

In some studies, drug-induced macrocytosis is the third most common cause of an elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), accounting for about 12.9% of cases [1.11.1]. Understanding **what drugs cause high MCV** is crucial for clinicians to differentiate medication side effects from other serious conditions.