starting ruxolitinib: I have been on peginterferon... - MPN Voice

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starting ruxolitinib

caroline_284 profile image
22 Replies

I have been on peginterferon for 5 years with MF. It has worked well with bloods but not with spleen. But my last 2 tests were not so good haemoglobin up to 188. and scan has shown spleen now at 18.8 from 15 last year. my consultant has usually been very positive with prognosis, but this time she would not be drawn when I asked her how it might change. needless to say I came away very anxious and depressed. So now I have started 10mg ,twice a day of Ruxolitinib plus continuing 90 peginterferon once a fortnight. with a venesection booked for tomorrow. I would be grateful to hear from anybody with similar experience.

Thank you, and best wishes to all.

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caroline_284
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22 Replies
hunter5582 profile image
hunter5582

I have not had that experience but your description supports a change in treatment plan. Moving forward with RUX sounds like a very prudent course of action.

Wishing you success moving forward.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to hunter5582

Thank you

lizzziep profile image
lizzziep

My haemoglobin dropped with Rux, now on Momelotinib, sounds like adding Rux is a good idea, and you’re being monitored so any changes should show in your next test. Hope all goes well for you.

grandpa101 profile image
grandpa101 in reply to lizzziep

Hi Caroline

I am 4 years on Rux but becoming very anaemic my specialist is recommending a change to momolitinib can you tell me how this worked out for you

Many thanks

Michael

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to grandpa101

I have only been taking Rux for a few days,and had my first venesection today,so I will have to wait 4 weeks for next blood test to see.

lizzziep profile image
lizzziep in reply to grandpa101

I have only been on Momelotinib for 4 weeks. I had a review at 3 weeks, but it was really to check whether I had any side effects. (Ok, so far) It was a bit soon to say if it was helping haemoglobin (however it had gone up to 81 from 76) I am also on twice weekly EPO injections. I go back mid October so fingers crossed for good results then. I had a call from the oncology pharmacist before taking my first tablet and they really frightened me with possible side effects however I decided to bite the bullet and so far so good.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to lizzziep

Good luck with your results.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to lizzziep

Thankyou

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to lizzziep

Thank you

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to lizzziep

Thank you

ainslie profile image
ainslie

change is always a bit anxiety inducing but it sounds like a reasonable plan, the combo treatment can work well, I would get pretty regular blood tests as the combo can bring counts down a lot and you don’t want to overshoot and become anaemic, I’m sure your doc will be on it, 10mg BID is standard start dose for Rux and can be increased if necessary. Interesting your Hgb is so high with MF.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to ainslie

Thank you. Yes she was wondering if it was veering towards PV.

BeOutside profile image
BeOutside

Hi Caroline,

Today is day one for me with Rux, also with 10mg twice a day. I am also continuing my Pegasus at 90 mg once a week, so I think we have the exact same regimen! I’m prefibrotic MF and my spleen just hasn’t responded to the Peg either.

It is certainly too early to tell you how I am doing with this, but if I have any wins or losses I will let you know!

Thanks for letting me know I am not alone on this path!

John

ainslie profile image
ainslie in reply to BeOutside

Good luck John

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to ainslie

Thank you!

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to BeOutside

Thank you for your reply,it is helpful to know of someone in a similar position. I had a venesection also today but will have to wait for the 4week blood tests.i was just worried when she wouldn't commit herself to any kind of prognosis, where before she had been quite positive. Do let me know how you are doing on Ruxolitinib. Good luck.

BeOutside profile image
BeOutside in reply to caroline_284

I will let you know! Day one has been uneventful. I am scheduled for bloodwork next Monday, so I might learn something then. Also, I was put on an antiviral drug at the same time I started the Rux as a precaution. I don’t know if that is a best practice, but I don’t think it will hurt?

ainslie profile image
ainslie in reply to BeOutside

Best get the Shingrix if taking Rux, 6% on Rux get shingles, the vaccine is over 90% effective, it’s a no brainer

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to ainslie

Also because of now being on Rux I've been warned about skin cancer. Apart from keeping out of the sun when it's hot, does this mean even going for a walk in autumn and winter sunshine? Also I was told to even cover up with hat etc when sitting in the shade .it all seems extreme when I thought a certain amount of sun for vitamin d was good for you?

RoundTheWorld profile image
RoundTheWorld in reply to caroline_284

Hi caroline_284. Well worth watching the 'Video of the MPN Voice patients’ virtual forum – focus on Skin Cancer' that Mazcd posted a link to recently.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to RoundTheWorld

Thank you.yes it's very informative, but didn't cover what skin protection you need in weaker,autumn or winter sunshine.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to BeOutside

I'm holding off my covid booster for a while too.

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