I have been on hydroxyurea for 3 months and was diagnosed with PV in March. My white blood count is almost 17 and my allele burden is 91.3%. My hematocrit is 46. I went to see a new hematologist in Seattle and asked her if she would consider changing me to Besremi considering the recent research indicating higher risk of blood clots for people over 60 and allele burden over 50% and high white blood count, and it can also lead to faster disease progression. She agreed to go ahead after I get a bone marrow biopsy. If I can't get help with financing it, Pegasus might be OK.
It would be a weekly instead of biweekly injection.
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Eferret
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as far as I know there is little difference between Peg and Bes , alleg one molecule, that info came from Dr Verstovsek during a consult, different dosing period initially but subc injections are painless
Access to Besremi will depend largely on you insurance formulary, which will also determine your copay. Besremi has made it onto formularies since it is FDA approved for PV, but it is typically a high-tier medication due to its cost. Current cost on my plan is $16,900/month. I pay $100/month until I reach the annual $2,000 cap. Your plan may be different.
Ig you run into problems, it is worth contacting PharmaEssentia Source. They have a good patient assistance program. pharmaessentiasource.com/ho...
Pegasys is used off-label for PV, but is in common use. you may be able to access it depending on your insurance plan. Note that I have used both Pegasys and Besremi. I did not find them any different. The cost to me was the same due to how my insurance plan works.
I am also on Besremi (lowest dose possible, which is holding blood counts but still causing side effects, I think). The manufacturer sponsored my medicine for a few months, then I got bumped, don't know why, and I applied thru my doctor to the PAN foundation for financial help. Retired, I am not yet taking any social security payments, etc, so my income was low enough to qualify. Good luck to you with your treatment!
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