Unfortunately it is not possible to cure Polycythemia Vera. It is a fatal chronic disease; however treatment can reduce the symptoms of PV and are very successful in improving longevity of life.

In treating Polycythemia Vera the main objective is to control the symptoms and to reduce the risk of PV complications. One of the major complications of Polycythemia Vera is stroke or heart attack which is caused by thickened blood and blood clots. This complication could be controlled by keeping the level of haemoglobin and red blood cells in normal position.

Reducing the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin brings the thickness of your blood closer to normal levels. Blood with normal thickness flows more easily through the arteries. This reduces the chances that blood clots will form that could cause you to have a stroke or heart attack. Blood with normal thickness delivers oxygen more efficiently to all parts of your body.

By reducing the number of red blood cells, itching, vision problems and headaches can be reduced as well.

Treatments of PV are dependent on symptoms and the rate of progression, age, and the patient's overall health. There are treatments that help improve symptoms and prevent complications associated with the conditions, treatment may include:

Phlebotomy :
Phlebotomy is a very common treatment for PV. In this treatment a pint of blood is taken each week until the hematocrit level is back to normal. This is a very effective method of lowering the excessive red blood cell.

Oral Medication :
Oral Medications is an another effective way to control the signs, symptoms and complications of Polycythemia Vera.

Medicines such as Hydroxyurea can also help keep the bone marrow from producing too many RBCs. Hydroxyurea is a chemotherapy medicine and reduces platelets and RBCs.

Low-Dose Aspirin :
Use of low dose of aspirin can reduce the clotting of blood and also relieves the burning in hands and feet.

Immunotherapy :
In this type of treatment, doctors uses substances made naturally in the body to stimulate your immune response against overproduction of red blood cells.

Interpheron-alpha is an immunotherapy substance that is already naturally produced in our bodies. It reduces production of RBCs in the bone marrow as well but can have bad side effects and not be very effective.

Treatment for other Complications :
PV can cause lot of itching, prescription medicines can help relieve the itching, your doctor may prescribe a number of prescription medicines to ease the discomfort you feel.

Your doctor may prescribe allopurinol if the level of uric acid in your blood is higher than normal.

Researchers are studying treatments for Polycythemia Vera to block the activated protein JAK2 V617F. Although no treatments with this ability are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, these types of Polycythemia Vera treatments may be available in the future.