Morning all,
So I've been off of Hydrea for a few months now and on Pegasys 180 for 4 weeks. Used 2x quater and 2x half dosage so far. I've been feeling great on thus drug so far, much better than the Hydrea. My only itch, so to say, is that the local injection site gets a reaction that is a little red and itchy. I injected Sunday and it still itches today.
Does anyone have home remedies for something to apply to numb/alleviate the reaction?
Hope everyone has a great day!
Chris
I get the same, Emla cream, helps, it’s a topical anaesthetic cream that helps numb the skin. Available without prescription.
Thanks, looks like it is available here too, will give it a try. Do you apply it without dressing?
Oh sorry forgot to say I was in the UK. Yes just apply it without dressing. I’ve never actually read the instructions, so maybe best to read info sheet, available here medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...
Raff
Thanks, I got the Emla cream, and applied it yesterday evening and this morning and no itch so far! Thanks for the advice 
I apply EMLA 30 min before injection. I cover it with a bit of cling film, which is what my nurse recommended, as it is very similar to the dressings you can buy. Works very well! X
Great, pleased it helped.
Hi, Susanna, hope you’re well, it was your advice to me about Emla that I started using it and now passing that information on.
That’s nice to hear Raphael! Glad it is also working for you and that you are spreading the news 😊 All ok with me, Pegasys keeps doing its job. Hope you are well too. Susana x
It sounds like you are using pre-loaded syringes. I think the Pegasys is more concentrated in these devices. I use the 180 mcg vial which is 1 ml in volume. I inject with 1 ml insulin syringes and it is painless. Insulin syringes are very narrow gauge. I have no idea if this helps.
Yes I am using pre-filled syringes and the needles do look very thin to me, thinner than normal syringes. I don't really have a problem with the injection itself, its just the reaction to the substance in the area for a couple of days. The Emla cream does work a wonder as suggested by others!
I have the same but not always. It was suggested that it may be when I empty part of the drug out prior to injecting and it is still on the syringe but that is always the case, so would make no difference.
What I am finding in this last batch I'm using is that the needles appear to be blunt and I have to really push to get through my skin. It was suggested on this site that cheap needles may be being used. Again, maybe this is what is causing the irritation.
Will we ever know the fact of the matter? I doubt it.
The first two at quater dosage shots was fine for me, the next two at half dosage caused the reaction. Im hoping that it's just something my body will get used to... I will have to increase to full dosage in a week and a bit, and wondering if I should ask my Haem if I can stay on half for a while and see...
Hi. I have never had more than 45 mcg. My haema mentioned at first that I should be on 180 but as I had done a lot of research, I managed to convince him to start me on a low dose. I have never had to increase this due to my platelets decreasing within 3 weeks. I have now been using it since June 2018 and my platelets are within normal range. Everyone responds differently but I'm surprised your haema wants you to increase so soon.
Yes, I was surpised too, they wanted me to use 45 one week, then 90 the next and then 180 the third... I am winging it at the moment, and still on 90 which I feel fine on... Just this itching at the injection site which is much better with the Emla cream for now.
I hope that doesn’t bite you. Pegasys is slow reacting. I didn’t begin feeling side effects that were bothersome until after the 1st month on 45. Although, I’m different than most on here. I’m in my 4th month and my platelets have still not gone down. So, maybe you will be fine. I wish u the best
Hi JacklinaHow interesting to read about the blunt needle issue! I’ve noticed that too, in my last batch of Pegasys, but thought it was my injection technique 🙄
Up until now they’ve just glided in - but this last lot have required more effort (and hurt more!)
Hi everyone. This is just an update post. The Emla cream helped as I said before. But the good news is that I now no longer get a reaction to the injection so I dont have to use the cream any more! I have also been doing full 180 dosage once a week for two weeks and I still have zero other side effects. First blood test after a month of use shows reduction in counts, so looks like it is working
Hi Chris_H,
One thing that helps any itch is an anti-histamine cream. This is because when something happens to our skin like an insect bite etc. histamine is released and causes the symptoms you describe. It is a defensive reaction designed to help, but comes at the cost that the resulting itch keeps you awake in bed especially if you are you are nice and warm. It helps to keep it by the bed as it can need reapplying. A super market brand will do the job fine.
When I was first on interferon alpha you used to get a pre-injection steri-swab in each packet (until stopped to save costs) and I used to get a rash which my haematologist said could be an allergy to the anti-septic. The rash stopped when I stopped the swabs. I know some patients buy them separately but it was when a research project showed they didn't make any difference to the rate of infection that companies spotted the opportunity to leave them out.
Finally and least likely, you may be allergic to Pegasys itself. If it is a while until your next appointment then you can get advice from your Specialist MPN Nurse. You can speak to her via your hospital switchboard if you don't have a direct line.
Good luck!
I just did my first injection on Sunday only 45mcgs. I injected into my stomach and the site has been red all week and slightly bruised, is this normal? It doesn't itch, but I am surprised that little 27g needle could cause a bruise.
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