Besremi -Six Week Update

[Elizka]

I had another CMP and CBC yesterday. Background: I got my first Besremi shot on January 28. I asked to start at 50 mcg. Second shot was 60 mcg and third was 70mcg.

After six weeks, I'm thrilled to see changes in my counts:

My WBC went from 15 to 10.8 (while it can fluctuate, it doesn't have a drop like this unless I've done a ProLon fasting mimic 5-day fast). And, it hasn't been 10 or lower for over two years.

My HCT was 40.8 a few days after starting Besremi as I had just had a PB. Yesterday, it was 38! Of course, with PV it doesn't go down it just keeps moving up unless I've had a PB.

PLT was 499 down from 717. I assume that will continue to drop if I don't need to have phlebotomies.

It is believed Besremi, like most Inteferons, might take a while to have an impact but that hasn't been true for me.

I'm lucky that I've had no symptoms or issues so far taking the drug.

There was a note from my hematologist in my chart with the test results:

"Your sodium and chloride are both a bit low. Often that can indicate a need to increase fluids intake. Please try to hydrate well. "

I drink a lot of water, but I'll figure out how to drink more without camping near the bathroom.

I'm celebrating...maybe no more more phlebotomies? I could have a "normal" ferritin count after 5 years.

[hunter5582]

Great news! Glad to hear you are responding so well.

Hope the trend continues.

[Hopetohelp]

Great to hear and very encouraging. Thanks for sharing

[Cja1956]

This Besremi seems to be a miracle drug. It seems to be helping a lot of people. I’m glad you’re one of them.

[FG251]

Always nice to read good news, especially about ‘quick responders’!

[marlenablue]

Great news for you and hopefully I experience the same! I just took my second dose and see my doctor this week.

[Threelions]

Brilliant news. I’m chuffed to bits for you & thanks for the insightful updates👍

[Meatloaf9]

Very good news, so happy for you. Please continue to keep us all informed as things progress in the future. Best always.

[EPguy]

Interesting that you're getting such clear response not only so quickly, but on relative low doses. I'm on the 50mcg HU transition dose, 2 so far. I tend to respond strongly to any drugs (alcohol included) and suspect I'm ready to cut the HU. I will have blood numbers in a week or so.

Do you also have history of strong drug responses?

I think my 2nd dose may have been closer to 60mcg, it's really hard to control the fat syringe at these doses. But my Dr says not to worry.

[Elizka in reply to EPguy]

Hi EPguy,

I don't think I have a history of strong drug responses. I haven't taken that many drugs in my my lifetime so hard to know. If anything, I would lean more to the side where I have a high tolerance. Zero impact with all 4 covid shots, Shingles, etc. My doctor used to ask

"what are you made of" as I could take a Xanax and have a drink (hate flying) and attend a meeting upon arrival all the while being in good shape.

I think you are okay with slightly uneven doses. I've been moving it up every two weeks.

I hope you stop HU.

[Mustang50]

Fab news!

[Bigcheat]

This is awesome! I am happy for you. Thanks for giving us hope too.

Br,

Bigcheat

[yarrowleaf]

Sounds great. I have a tip acc. to sufficient drinking: Oranges and melons. No calories (almost) and it doesn't go through your body as fast as water 😁Plus : vitamins and calcium "for free".