Anyone on Pegasys experiencing a lowering of white blood cells?

[Marossi]

I have been on Pegasys for PV since December 2017 and it has brought my haematocrit and platelets nicely within range. However, my last blood test showed my overall leucocytes down below normal range. This is largely due to a decrease in neutrophils. Strangely, lymphocytes and eosinophils are above the normal range. I have an appointment with my haematologist on the 16th to discuss those results so should get answers fairly soon. I guess I'm just seeking some reassurance that this isn't some sinister new development. I understand that Pegasys doesn't distinguish between different blood types so the fact that my white blood cell count is down overall might just mean I need to reduce my dose (I'm currently on 90 mcg every 3 weeks). But I must admit the increase in lymphocytes and eosinophils is more worrying, especially since I haven't been ill or had an infection recently.

[Susana7]

Hi, I have been on Pegasys for over 4 years and the white cells are also on the low side of normal and occasionally have been below normal. The neutrophils are the only counts my haemo worries about and my dose was decreased when they were too low. I am on 45mcg every 3 weeks now and the whites are within normal range. So trying a small dose reduction in your case could sort out the issue, to 65mcg or 45 mcg every 3 weeks. All the best to you, Susana

[Helpatlast]

Yes I am like that on Pegasys which I have been using for a year - but was also like it for 13 years on Hydroxy 😀😀- as yes treatment doesn't define one blood element over another so all get effected by the treatment and if one element tends to be on a low side normally it can be particularly knocked by treatment. So in 14 years my neutrophils are usually in the 1.1-1.8 region, we only worry a bit when it gets nearer 1 and celebrate when it occasionally reaches 2!! So it is one of those things that can happen on treatment and just needs an eye kept on it but is "ok"

[EleanorPV]

Yip but I work on finding the correct dose to persuade my platelets from dropping too low.