Besremi as substitute for Peg interferon

[gilded]

Shortage of Pegasys interferon that I take to treat my CALR mutation led me to ask my haematologist about substituting Besremi. The latter was not prescribed. Any reason why not? (I should have asked but was taken aback). Would the reason be age related? ( in 3 months time I'll be 82). Comments appreciated.

[ainslie]

Bes and Peg are very similar , hence I doubt it’s your age, if you are in the UK it might be a cost issue, only guessing of course, probably best to as the doc again if you can.

[gilded in reply to ainslie]

Thanks. Am in England. Will raise it again with doc.

[DougyW in reply to gilded]

In England Haematology is given an allocation of Peggy sources from Europe they have to use first. After that they can consider Besremi.

[gilded in reply to DougyW]

Thanks DougyW, although my usual allocation of Peg has dropped very significantly and increased platelet count has resulted that is concerning to the Consultant.

[RoundTheWorld]

Hi Gilded. I’d ask the haematologist, but here’s the link to the NHS guidance that covers the emergency use of Besremi while Peg has a shortage - it may or may not be informative in your case. (If you have a symptomatic enlarged spleen that is a consideration by the looks of it).

england.nhs.uk/wp-content/u...

[JHigelin in reply to RoundTheWorld]

It hasn't been approved for used by NHS Sotland. What part of the UK are you in?

[gilded in reply to JHigelin]

England!

[RoundTheWorld in reply to JHigelin]

Hi JHigeln - sorry, yes it was NHS England.

Blood Cancer UK's comments at the end of last year (link below) mention Scotland, but I don't know how responsive or not NHS Scotland have been to interim requests for Besremi.

bloodcancer.org.uk/news/int...

[gilded in reply to RoundTheWorld]

Thanks RoundTheWorld. No enlarged spleen so Doc's decision unfathomable. Will raise again with Doc.