1st CBC Post Switch to Peg

[Solyesh]

As promised, providing my first CBC results since switch to Peg. As background, I am 52yo, ET Jak2+. Started on HU back in March - eventually got to 1,500mg/day (21 pills/week) - significant side effects decided to try and switch to Peg. Switched one month ago - on 90mg/week with 1,000mg/day (2 pills) HU.

Headline - Platelets in normal range for first time in 7 years! A little worried that WBC has fallen as quickly as it has (lowest ever...) Key results in table below...

Fairly happy with results so far. Have consult with MPN specialist tomorrow and hopeful he agrees we can continue to phase out Hydroxyurea. Still very early days (only 4 weeks in with Peg) but good start - will update as to what my MPN specialist says. Side effects so far have been mainly fatigue day of and day after injection and "stiff" bones - especially upon waking in morning...

[Manouche]

Great news! Certainly no need to take HU anymore.

[hunter5582]

Hurrah! It certainly sound like PEG is working for you. Your WBC at 5.1 is still within normal limits so is not something to worry about. I would think the WBC would trend up when you d/c the HU. The PLT will hopefully stay under 600 once you get all the way off the HU. Note that after several months my PLT is staying WNL with only 45mcg of PEG.

Wishing you continued success with PEG.

[Solyesh in reply to hunter5582]

Hunter - thanks! Speak with MPN specialist tomorrow - imagine we will now start trying to determine right level/combo of medications. Imagine we'll taper off HU (either completely or down to 500 mg/day) and see how my bloods look just on Peg and then determine right level of Peg over the next few months...

[Hopetohelp]

Very encouraging results. Thanks for sharing

[Marimar05]

That’s good to know Peg is working for you.i have been taking HU for 3yrs now and works for me.1,000mg a day m-f and 500mg on sat and sun.side effects- fatigue and muscle pains.hope everything turns out well for you.take care always.