Colitis correlation (with MPN or Pegasys use)

[jon1972]

I have read papers on Pegasys that there's a risk of Colitis with its use. The day of my 8th injection I had serious pain in my abdomen and passed a small amount of blood the following day. I'm still in some pain several days later but feeling better. My doctor told me to discontinue use for a week and then resume at the minimal 45mcg, which I'm apprehensive about despite how much I want to say on it.

Looking on here for posts from anyone who's experienced this I found very little tying Peg to Colitis, but a fair amount of people tying their MPN itself to Colitis and are NOT taking Peg.

Pondering on this it occurred to me that I've had abdominal issues for years, including a serious case of diverticulitis necessitating the removal of part of my large intestine. But that was over 5 years ago and I have not had any issues since other than intermittent abdominal discomfort and bloating.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has experienced serious or chronic GI issues and think it could be related to their MPN or Pegasys use, and if they have received professional advice on a course of action. Thank you in advance!

[Kinsale]

Hi Jon1972. I’ve been on Pegasys now for 3 months and am taking 90 micrograms each week. The effect has been startling to say the least - platelets now down to 294 and I’m totall stoked. However I have had on two occasions had bouts of gassy bloating and have passed a small amount of blood on each time. It was perplexing and I pigeon holded both these events under ‘weird and random MPN side effects’. I am healthy and not had any kind of colitis problems at all but after reading your post, I now will follow it up with my haemo when I see her in July.

Cheers

Mark

[jon1972]

Thanks for the reply Kinsale. Yes if you search for side effects of Pegasys, Colitis is listed. I'm under the impression that a workaround is taking the minimum dose and maybe changing to a non-inflammatory diet. Before considering discontinuation. So you say you've had NO GI issues at all prior to using Pegasys? Also, you don't see your hematologist till July?! Are you seeing anyone else about your condition? You may want to get advice if you have started having these side-effects since you started Peg. There are occasions that Colitis can be life-threatening and you do not want it to progress to something more serious. I'm going to get scoped next week to get an actual diagnosis and recommended course of action.