pegasys

[djleighp]

is it normal to feel sick nauseous on peg as first few days had a itch what was burning type and now all day I’ve been feeling sick

[EPguy]

What dose have you taken?

[djleighp in reply to EPguy]

45 so quite low

[EPguy in reply to djleighp]

Have you just one dose so far? Where is the burning? Any other sensations?

With your strong early reaction you may want to consult your Dr. before taking the next dose.

[djleighp in reply to EPguy]

Just one dose so far the itching was everywhere over my body was more like a burning pain and felt nauseous all day today

[EPguy in reply to djleighp]

In the label, below Nausea is common and usually not serious. But they do list exceptions.

But the sudden burning pain could be a neurological reaction as listed in this label. (in context of a combo with another drug). Nerve problems are a potential concern and it is worth discussing with your Dr before your next dose if you can.

accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatf...

[djleighp]

supposed no pain no gain so to speak but god I feel queasy

[Crossefield]

The nausea is very common when starting pegasys. I started on 45 weekly and the first couple of weeks were the hardest. Very similar to how a vaccination can affect you. This wears off as the body adjusts and it gets easier to tolerate. As for itching I only ever suffered short term tingly itching after a hot shower and even this stopped after several months.

With the itching you describe I would contact your clinical nurse specialists or treatment hotline. Being in the UK I hope you were given contact details for both of these?

[RedCardRob]

The first dose is usually under supervision by your MPN care nurse to ensure the correct application but also that you injected in the best location.Given what you described I would get in touch with your care team.

[ainslie]

I don’t know if it’s normal but it’s not uncommon, including the itching, maybe best run it by your Haem or Haem nurse

[hunter5582]

As others stated, the nausea is listed as a common adverse effect. I also experienced itching as a side effect from Pegasys and Besremi, but not a burning type. the itching was deep dermal and clearly felt like a histamine response. I also experience occasional rashes. A daily dose of cetirizine resolves the itching/rashes nicely.

Anytime you experience a new adverse effect, particularly when starting a new medication, your care team needs to be consulted. Sometimes, as in my case, the solution is very simple; however, it is best not to assume and get expert advice.

[Mieshie]

yes to nausea when I first started peginterferon also at 45. It came on day after injection along with headache. Doctor cautioned in advance that both were possible. Since I had reacted badly to HU and anagrelide she gave me a prescription for anti nausea pills and advised to take 385 Tylenol. Both worked well. These side effects stopped after week 3. I still carry both drugs just in case as there were some intermittent events that came up randomly but also totally stopped as I got used to the treatment. What replaced these were 3 under skin inflammations that required dermatology help. They came at different times but all in right leg shin. No recurrence. This is also noted as possible side effect—peniculitus (sp?). Peginterferon required patience, took low and slow approach which now after nearly 2 years and at 90 weekly since last June has worked for me. My bloods are all in mostly good range including liver enzymes which milk thistle extract has been key to managing. Best wishes to you.

[djleighp]

thanks for all your replies I shall persevere with it but will let my nurse know about burning sensation when she calls me tomorrow and I’ll ring my gpsee if he can prescribe any anti sickness meds and antihistamine

[Spanelmad]

Sounds like you need to hydrate even more than before

[Exeter21]

I started on 45 weekly however had bad headaches & light headed no nausea but I immediately contacted MPN at Guys London. Advised to stop 4 weeks then 45 monthly. Worked great no side effects & 3 years on my bloods & health normal . A very slow drug so be patient for first year 👌