Aspirin and peg interferon

[Elab]

Quick question

Iam Et jac positive on peg interferon every other week 45dose.

When I was diagnosed my hemo suggested aspirin every day before I even started peg interferon.

Was just wondering if I still need aspirin alongside my injection

[Tylerdog1]

I’ve also just started on PEG Interferon (I’m PV) - had 5th weekly injection and my Haematologist has advised me to continue with 75mg of Aspirin which I’ve been taking for a few years now, until my blood counts start to drop as still have same associated risks. I presume that once they come down (Platelets over 1000) that won’t need them anymore - hopefully someone whose been having Interferon for longer can advise on this

[Elab in reply to Tylerdog1]

Hi thank you for your post.

I have been on interferon for almost 2 years my counts were all good but no one meantioned stopping aspirin.

From my last blood test beginning of January they noticed I have low levels of iron. I will be investigated for gluten intolerance to see if I have celiac disease and they will be checking my gut and bowel.

Was wondering if my aspirin intake has something to do with my low iron

[Applesnpears in reply to Elab]

Anaemia can be a side of interferon. Your doctor should have advised you that this was the case.

You need to dicuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

[Splb3317 in reply to Tylerdog1]

Hi. I have PV since 2015 and was taking Hydroxy, but had to stop it last July because of repeated bad leg infections. I now take aspirin and Omeprazole only and my counts are creeping up. I had a venesection yesterday and that will bring the red count down, but I assume my platelets will keep rising. I am considering taking peg interferon and the haemo is happy to prescribe it. The thing that concerns me are the side effects. I am very concerned about the depression and other psychological effects, which my haem o also mentioned. Also, recently, someone posted that the drug seemed to have brought on arthritis.

I would love to try it, but am apprehensive. I should be really grateful to hear of your experiences and from anybody else who takes this drug for PV. Thank you. Sandra

[Manouche in reply to Splb3317]

You shouldn’t worry about Pegasys and arthritis. There’s no evidence that rhumatism conditions are related to INF therapy. MNP patients get arthritis because they are aging, not because of Pegasys.

[Splb3317 in reply to Manouche]

Manouche.

Thank you for that reassurance. I take it you've had none of the psychological side effects either.

Sandra

[Manouche in reply to Splb3317]

No psychological nor physiological side effects for me since I started Pegasys last September. As long as you don’t suffer from major depression I suppose your are unlikely to get any serious psychological side effet.

[Tylerdog1 in reply to Splb3317]

I’m only 6 weeks of injections and only low dosage of 45 mcg but so far so good in terms of reactions. I take it at night and go to bed. Wake up feeling a bit nauseous (I’ve got anti sickness tablets if it’s bad) the next day but within a couple of hours it’s life as normal. I understand from my Haemo it’s becoming the drug of choice in the UK to treat MPNs, as most local NHS authorities will now fund it but not everyone tolerates it well. Hopefully you’ll be fine

[Splb3317 in reply to Tylerdog1]

Thank you. That's really helpful.

Sandra

[Exeter21 in reply to Splb3317]

the leaflet with Interferon & side effects would frighten anyone. I am on Interferon Peg from Hydroxy which I could not tolerate. I looked at my syringe for a week before I decided to ignore the side effects write up & see how I was. We are all made different . After Hydroxy this is Gold star for me. I am still carefully monitored & dose adjusted to suit . But I contacted MPN for advice on that as I was on too high dose to start with hence side effects of migraine. Now fine. Also moved injections to mornings instead of late evenings & feel fine. My theory on that is you are excercise h, eating & moving more daytime . Instead of no fluids if you take it late at night & sleeping . I woke up like a hangover . Hope this helps . Start on low doses & take it slowly to expect results it’s not a quick fix but I never felt fitter 👍. Julia Uk.

[hunter5582]

My understanding is that taking both is the standard treatment protocol for most people who need meds for cytoreduction. The two meds have two different purposes. Do be sure to talk to your doc so he/she can explain it.

[Marossi]

I’ve been taking Pegasys for two years but even after blood counts were normalized my haematologist told me to make sure I continued to take the daily cardio aspirin too. Even though my platelets were within a normal range he said I was still at risk because they were stickier than normal platelets.

[Elab]

Thank you everyone for your messages.