Started peginterferon alpha 2a treatment

[Purplechoclover]

Just recently started the above treatment on the 31st January this year but my oldest daughter has just found out shes 9weeks pregnant and i forgot to ask my consultant if it was ok that on my treatment day is it ok to be around her eg as in she comes to my house to visit or is it similar to chemo treatments where you have to stay away for a certain time? She also has our 5month granddaughter and I'd not want them to become ill because of my treatment which im still learning about. Any help is greatly appreciated

[Threelions]

Hi

I’ve been on peg for years. I don’t recall anyone telling me to stay away from people after injecting. I guess it depends how you feel after the injection. If you feel ok then carry on as normal. I don’t believe you can cause potential harm to anyone.

All the best

Mark

[Purplechoclover in reply to Threelions]

Thank you so much for that and hope your treatment is going well

[AndyT]

Nothing to worry about so long as neither of you has any other specific medical conditions that need taking into account and discussing with your doctors.

Interferon is sometimes used by MPN patients themselves while pregnant. I’ve been on interferon for 8+ years and I spent a lot of time with our daughter at all stages of her two pregnancies, without giving it a second thought.

Congratulations on the good news too!

[Purplechoclover in reply to AndyT]

Thank you so much for this, its made me feel a bit better now and can enjoy spending time with them all now

[Hopetohelp]

yes you can take Pegasys if you are pregnant so should be fine

[KLCTJC]

I am a medical professional and I see patients all day for a living and I have been on Besremi about a year. Never heard I needed to avoid anyone.

[Wyebird]

I don’t recall being told to steer away from pregnant women and babies I’ve been on Peg for about 2 and 1/2 yrs

[Lyndjs]

Hi,I know it's all very confusing but, as I understand it, peg is an immunotherapy and not chemotherapy so you should be ok to be around people after your injection.

Not sure where in the world you are but Blood Cancer UK have just updated information booklets for ET & PV and they are free to download. They also have a help line with blood cancer nurses there to answer any question. I called at the start of my journey and found it very helpful.

I hope all goes well for you. The people on this forum are so supportive and I'm sure others will post with more great support.

Take care xx