Switching from Pegasys to Besremi

[OceanR]

Hi everyone, I have just been advised that I will need to switch from Pegasys to Besremi due to the UK shortage. Please could anyone who has made the switch let me know how they got on and if there have been any issues or concerns? I have done well on Pegasys over the past few years, with few side effects other than itching, dry skin and some tinnitus/hearing loss. All of my blood results are now good, so it is a shame that things are now having to change. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[hunter5582]

The switch from Pegasys to Besremi was no big deal. There was no difference in efficacy or tolerance for me. There is a formula to follow in matching the doses.

Wishing you success moving forward.

PEG to BES conversion

[OceanR in reply to hunter5582]

Many thanks for your reply and the dose information Hunter5582 - much appreciated.

[RoundTheWorld]

Hi OceanR. I moved over at start of Nov. I'd only started Peg in the summer so don't have a long history to compare to. My switched dosage fits what Hunter has said - I was on 90mcg Peg weekly and moved to 125mcg Besremi fortnightly.

I don't have a clear picture as since then I've had a heavy cold, BPPV (vertigo) - I think coincidental to Besremi (as I'd had it before as well), and increased venesections. It's therefore hard to know what's causing what, but recent blood tests have been encouraging in terms of reduced HCT, Hgb and RBC, which all seem to be trending down. Platelets and ALT have risen (not dramatically). Inorganic phosphate sometimes a little low.

Side-effects: I have had a lot of tiredness and quite noticeable muscle aches and lack of stamina for a couple of days after injections. That seems to be improving and is probably partly due to the venesections (I assume my ferritin is again v low by now). I've also had mild dizziness (could be lingering after BPPV and is improving). If I get a small cut it takes quite a while to stop bleeding, which seems new, but I'm also on Clopidogrel and it could be a cummulative effect.

Happy to say that in the last week or so I've been feeling that I can do more and have been doing so. It's great only having to inject twice a month (the pen is 250mcg and I take half each time, so also no wastage).

I'd say you have reason to expect it to be straightforward, but maybe don't book your diary up too much while you adjust.

[OceanR]

Thank you for the information on your experience of Besremi and for your advice RoundTheWorld - much appreciated.

[Sprat19]

Hi interesting to see experiences as I am wondering if I will be moved over soon. My next MPN appointment is next week. Currently on Peg 90 every 4 weeks

[nemo731]

Made switch for same reason two months ago. From Peg 135 weekly to once Bes 200 in two weeks. Had 4 shots now. Same as above no difference in efficacy and tolerance (I had bloodtest recently after two months use Bes). But first times I found the whole procedure of the injection needed a learning curve (Peg is plain simple), specifically I was happy to have 2 needles with the Bes because in a reflex because of bringing in the needle to slow I got the apparatus of my skin and then the needle locks straight away.

[Cityreach]

HiI have recently done the switch from Peg to Besremi for the same reason, I did my 3rd injection last night, no changes in symptoms still get slight itching after shower bit of tingling at times in hands had this with Peg too, not had bloods done yet since change have Guys appt next week for this I do only injection 60mcg fortnightly as I did not want to start with 123mcg per month, I wanted to trial small dose to start, I did Peg at 45mcg weekly prior, I was reluctant to change as don't like to mess with what was working either everything was OK with Peg, shall see next week on how bloods are with Besremi also it is bit easier with the pen once you get used to using it, good luck