How often the blood is removed depends on how quickly the level of hemoglobin in your blood returns to abnormally high levels. Drugs may be used to control the over-production of blood cells. Depending on what drug your physician describes, you may take it by mouth for several weeks or it may be injected into a vein. Drug treatment may control the disease for up to several years. Some physicians may inject radioactive phosphorus in your arm for treatment.
Treatment is repeated when the blood counts begin to increase again.