Increase in Blood Pressure on Pegasys

[swimswam]

I have noticed that my blood pressure has increased significantly. It has always been slightly high, but is now a lot higher. I have a telephone appointment in a couple of weeks so will mention it then, but wondered if it could be a side effect of the Peg, as I’m on quite a high dose. Has anyone else had experience of this, and did you have to come off Peg or were they able to prescribe other medication to control the blood pressure whilst remaining on Peg? I really don’t want to change if I don’t have to, so would like a little information before speaking to my health team, as I always seem to have to justify why I want Peg instead of the cheaper Hydroxy.

[Manouche]

It’s not at all a side effect of Pegasys, but a common side effect of our MPNs ! So there’s no reason to modify your treatment, as your high BP should be dealt with some other drugs.

[charl17]

I am on Pegasys, injecting 180 every 10 days. It has not increased my blood pressure. You should know that it is very difficult to get an accurate BP. the reading you get at the doctor's office is rarely accurate. BP should be taken after you sit with back supported in silence for 5 minutes and that's not all. It's best to do it yourself as long as you know what you're doing.

[swimswam in reply to charl17]

Thanks for your reply, I have been taking readings at home over a week, and it seems quite consistent. I’ve just returned to work in a secondary school after being shielded so I suppose it could be stress!

[MistyBlue2]

Hi.

I’m fairly new to Pegasys, so no expert - but some of the disclaimer paperwork I was given when I started, said that a rise in blood pressure WAS a possible side effect.

Good luck with your call - I’d be interested to see if they can bring it down without taking you off Peg

[swimswam in reply to MistyBlue2]

Thanks for info, I thought I’d seen that it could be a side effect somewhere but wasn’t sure. That’s why I thought I would ask if anyone else had experienced it, and were able to stay on Pegasys. I don’t really want to come off it.

[hunter5582]

Hypertension is not listed as an adverse effect in multiple sources, which is not to say that it cold not be a rare side effect. Best to check with your doc on this. Hypertension can have multiple causes, so best not to assume. Hyperviscosity was causing hypertension for me until phlebotomy got it under control Totally agree about PEG over HU as an option. Would prefer ruxolitinib over HU too.

Please do let us know what you find out. I am considering starting PEG-IFN. Do want to know more about what others have experienced.

All the best to you.

[Manouche in reply to hunter5582]

Go for it hunter5582. I’m convinced you won’t get any side effect at all! Personally, I’m always looking forward to the day of the weekly injection. Feels fantastic the first day and great for 5 or 6 days.

[Jsb45]

When my Hgb levels got too high over 15 or so my blood pressure spikes up. A phlebotomy helps and once done everything comes back down. I am on blood presssure medicine prior to be diagnosed with PV.

Good Luck!

[swimswam in reply to Jsb45]

I was diagnosed with ET, platelets are over 600 at the moment, not sure about Hgb

[Jsb45 in reply to swimswam]

I would imagine that more platelets increases how hard your heart has to work to push them through your veins so I would expect an increase. Thicker blood harder to push.

[Scrollernut]

Right now only on aspirin and have high BP readings slowly increasing over the past year. Went on BP meds. Slowly coming down. Trying to relax with all that’s going on in our lives. Also had Covid and I’m sure that’s why mine spiked to over 190s. Recovering and with meds staying at 130s for now with an occasional 120 thrown in.