Hello everyone, hope you are all in good health.
Question is about Pegasys dose. Can a patient under treatment with Pegasys change the regime from 45 mc/week to 90 mc/2 weeks, with consideration that the patient can tolerate it well?
For those using PEG: Do you use it once a week, or in different periods, like per 10 days, per 2 weeks?
Thanks, stay safe!!
This is something that you should discuss with your hematologist. Pegasys can be administered every week, every two weeks, anything in-between, and maybe less frequently. My impression is that doctors take into account symptoms, side effects, blood counts, other blood work, costs and patient preferences. I am blessed with a wife who can draw my blood and do a cbc whenever I want. I used this information to get my schedule changed from 90 every 14 to 90 every 10 because my whites and platelets were starting to rise. This is an ongoing interaction between patient and doctor rather than a mechanical computation of the right dosing. What you propose may make sense and your hematologist may agree but you really need to engage with the doctor on this.
My MPN specialist at Moffitt Cancer Center just increased my dose to 180 every 10 and gave me the option to do 180 every 14. The alternative, which I didn't want, was phlebotomy.
A patient should never change the Pegasys dosage without the consent of his haem.
Hi,
Four months ago I had to switch from 45mgs per week to 90mgs every 2 weeks. It's been absolutely fine. The hardest thing is to remember when I take it and have been late a couple of times which was OK. I used to feel guilty squirting 50% of the drug away before taking each week. It's an expensive drug and by doing this has cut the cost in half with no extra risk to myself and without greater adverse effects. I think it's a good thing - don't fret about it before you know how you will react. Good luck.
Jocko
Hello, I take Peg 135 mc every three weeks. To help me remember when I have to take it I have set it up calendar reminder on my computer. This may hep you too, to remember when you are due to take your Peg.
Stay safe and wishing you well.
Lana
Good morning samiris. I inject 45 mcg every fortnight. I have never used more than 45mcg and began weekly. Went to 10 days and now, every 14. I also take clopidogrel daily.
Iwouldn't have thought that an increase in the dose just because you tolerate it well would abe a reason to increase., unless your platelets are not reducing.
Mine came into normal range in a very short time and remain there. I've been ver lucky in that respect. Thank goodness I am because with the original prescription (hydroxycarbamide) I was being poisonned on a daily basis. Dire side effects.
All the best P.
Hi there, I went from 45mc fortnightly to 90mg fortnightly (discussion with haem as she wanted to increase to 45 weekly but I hated throwing it away too), then it had to go up to 90mg weekly. My platelets are now under control - took from August 2019 to June 2020 to get into normal range from not very high to start with (But I am Jak 2 and had a clot in my brain already so they wanted to get me on Pegasys).
so, I have a return question for anyone that can help please that I will also post generally, now my platelets are well within normal range can my does frequency be lengthened back out to fortnightly so my other blood counts don't drop too low and I mitigate for side effects (No major side effects except noticing increased hair loss now)?
My Haem seems relatively inexperienced with this and last time said she didn't think so. She is willing to communicate with other Haems inc Claire Harrison at St Thomas' so I may ask again and ask her to discus it with others.
THanks
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