Anybody on both Pegasys and HU

[Flynn2107]

Is anyone on both Pegasys and hydroxyurea at the same time to control their p-vera. The lower dose of pegasys has less chance of side effects but may still lower jak2 allele burden. The goal would be to have low doses of both drugs to lower any side effects while still controlling HCT.

[Joetcalr]

Makes logical sense, I heard it recommended by one of the US haematologists, so I asked my consultant who said it was complicated, don't know what he meant. Let me know if you get anywhere with it.

[gvibes]

I've seen ruxolitinib added to pegasys to keep dose down in a study (Sorensen). I've been told to be patient for pegasys blood cell effects as it could take up to a year - during which time you may continue to get phlebotomies. I get a feeling there is something incompatible about hydroxyurea and pegasys at the same time..

good luck.

[Flynn2107 in reply to gvibes]

Thank you, I will read that study you mentioned. It sounds like what I am looking for. I appreciate your help.

[gvibes in reply to Flynn2107]

sorensen referencencbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

good luck. I could end up adding something to my pegasus as well...

[ritaandscooter1]

Boy going on one of these drugs (HU or Pegasys) has been a life experience! Went on HU for 2 months but it was not the drug of choice. I preferred Pegasy's as there is a chance of remission and it actually can change the allele burden. I was on the lowest dose of Pegasys but my ALT liver enzymes kept going up. I had to go off of it for 6 weeks and now am in normal range. Now I'm going on 22.5 mcg of the recommended 45mcg. because of my finicky liver and a liver protector called Ursodial. My HCT have continued to go down even after not taking the Pegasys for 6 weeks! Haven't needed a phlebotomy in 4 months. Plts and whites though are going up as expected. Anyway just wanted to share my experience and so badly have wanted the Pegasys to work. Still crossing my fingers. Has anyone else had a similar experience as me on Pegasys?

[gvibes]

In another thread, I saw that hydroxyurea was added to temporarily help with blood counts during the period when pegasys is getting going. see BlueHazel5 recent thread. I seem to be in this situation with pegasys and my doc suggested there were some other options besides phlebotomy to deal with this until pegasys stableizes things. so maybe they are compatible. good luck

[Flynn2107 in reply to gvibes]

Thank you so much for the tip. I found the recent thread and made contact.