Interferon how quick

[shiftzz]

Been on Pega for about a month, plus reduced Hydro, but my hct is going up..

Does anyone know how long Interferon takes to get some results?

Venesection next week and another within 3 weeks.

[Cecilie]

Hi, I saw a big difference after two months, suddenly the platelets went down quickly and then stabilised at around 400. Not sure about interferon and htc/venesections but hopefully someone else will have the answer.

[EleanorPV]

Interferon is slow acting. It can take more than a year, to see any lowering of blood numbers. Try to be patient.

[Susana7]

Hi, I have been on Pegasys for PV with high platelets for over 2 years. My platelets responded immediately (1.5 million to 800,000 in 4 weeks), but the HCT actually rose from 0.49 to 0.50. It took 4 months for the HCT to start coming down. My haemo explained that red cells live for longer (around 120 days) so it takes a while to affect them. My HCT is now 0.40, and platelets normal too so Pegasys does work, just give it time. I started at 90mcg/week, and reduced to 45mcg/week a year later and am now at 45mcg/ fortnightly. Good luck! Susana x

[EleanorPV]

I’ve been on pegasys a year. Only one venesection in a year. My Platelets are on the low side. One more blood test and I may be reducing my injection. Remember everyone is different. Patience is the best plan.

[JSKly]

Yes,indeed, everyone is different but I do reflect in some ways others who have replied. I began Pegasys with 90 mcg in May. It very soon lowered my platelets which had become troublesome under Ruxolitinib. But over the months since May my HCT has gradually risen. I've now had 2 venesections and may need another at the end of the month. I'm hoping Pegasys will soon get a handle on the HCT. I'm also hoping that when it does I will be able to lower the dose.

[Disney71]

I have been on Interferon now for about 3 months. Everything is well controlled expect for my HCT which seems to go up and down like a yo-yo from 42% to 50%. I am currently having weekly venesections to help control this but am hoping the Interferon will take charge in the long run and i’ll only need venesections as a back up. Time will tell.....

[MaryELWoods]

I had great results after two Pegasys injections. All my RBC, Hgb, Hct came well within normal and my platelets dropped from 800s to 500s

[ainslie]

Interferon or Pegasys can have an effect almost immediately for some but others it can take up to 2 years although that's unusual, months or a year is not uncommon, someone I know started on 45mcg Peg and ramped up to 180mcg for more than a year before it worked and now he is back to 90 and doing well on it, good luck

[shiftzz]

Been to see my consultant about a month ago, HCT slightly up, so two venesections... Went to see them again, HCT 0.46 no venesection, no change to medication, he said that they cant tell if the interferon is working, because of the two venesections, masking the results... Interim bloods in three weeks, then another review (by phone), then another consultation in another three weeks, unless the numbers are up...

I asked what was plan B?

A bit vague, re Jakaifi, so possibly back to Hydo..

Now I have started to itch....

Grrrrr