Peg Interferon and lower phosphate levels

[Jocko]

Hi all,

The last couple of blood tests I have had my phosphate level is below normal. I have been told normal is 0.8 and my readings have been 0.62 followed by 0.64. Between these 2 readings I had a phosphate top up in the form of a kind of electrolyte drink for a week. My symptoms are muscle aches and feeling a bit washed out which comes and goes so it's not something I am constantly aware of. I am going to be given some more phosphate top up next week My question is has anyone out there experienced low phosphates whilst taking Peg ? Is low phosphates a potential side effect of taking Peg ? I'd be very interested in your thoughts.

Thanks in advance

Jocko

[AndyT]

Not something I’ve been aware of since starting Peg 3 years ago but I have an appointment on Friday so will ask about it then!

[MPort]

I am not aware of this either. Do you get a separate blood test to find this info out? Do you routinely have it or has it been prompted by something else. It is customary for many of us to feel washed out and be expected to put up with it. But if the fatigue could be put down to low potassium levels now that would be very interesting.

Looking forward to hearing more.

Mairead

[Jocko in reply to MPort]

Hi,

I get the results in the same blood test. I was tested 4 months ago and I was asked if I had muscle aches (which I did). They said I had low phosphates and I should take a supplement for a week. I don't know if it was down to the supplement but after taking them for a week I felt great. I had a blood test just over a week ago. I have had the same aching recently and I asked about my phosphate levels which were a bit low again. They are going to give me supplements again and then in a couple of weeks repeat a blood test. They will see if they have gone back up and how I am feeling. I will keep you posted. I don't really know what having lower phosphates mean but the impression I get is it could be linked to the muscle ache.

Watch this space.

Jocko