Experiences with

Interferon

I had a phone consultation with my hematologist yesterday and asked him about switching from hydroxyurea to interferon. I really appreciated peoples replies about their experiences switching from hydroxyurea to interferon.

Does anyone else on interferon also suffer with this? Mine only comes on when I’m out walking and I didn’t have it before I started on interferon. My right leg goes numb in the upper thigh area and I lose sensation.

Hi folks, Wanted to know,am about to go on interferon injections as my iron count is 3.4 & ferritin count is 16. I feel fine but wondered how the injections are going for those taking it and what side effects are mostly common. Many thanks 😊

At least in this study for patients on interferon long term, there was no excess mortality from polycythemia vera, whereas the other patients who did not receive interferon, although they did not have access early mortality, they did have access late mortality, suggesting that interferon can put patients

It has been suggested that I start on interferon alpha. Does anyone have experience of interferon alpha. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. Thanks

I take HU for PV, 72yo, good control so far, but I am wondering if I should switch to Interferon for the possible long term advantages? Any comments, both good and bad would be appreciated. Best to all.

The only explanation I can think of for this is that they're a sort of withdrawal response, as the level of Interferon in my body is slowly reducing in the few days leading up to my next injection.

morning I have an appointment with haematology at St James hospital Leeds this week to discuss changing from hydroxia to interferon. Comments have already been made that there is a risk of more side effects due to age (71) and that it can effect psoriasis.

Until about 6 mths ago I was taking a mixture of Hydrea and Anagrelide but it was no longer working so well so I switched to interferon. I’m on the max dose of 180 weekly but platelets are still 650ish and as an active person I’m struggling with the tiredness and fatigue.

https://mpn-hub.com/medical-information/comparing-responses-of-pegylated-interferon-alfa-and-hydroxyurea-in-patients-with-et-and-pv

Taking interferon 0.5ml/week since last mid August, I had blood test recently and found Hepatitis A Ab positive. other issues associated with taking interferon include low WBC(2.6 vs. 3.4), low Neutrophils (1.0 vs. 1.4) and high AST (45 vs. 40), ALT(58 vs. 44).

From my understanding, which is very limited, interferon can actually cause remission which is what I would like. From the little bit of reading I’ve done I understand that I would have to stay on a dosage of hydroxyurea while the interferon begins to take effect.

It was a breeze although the only slight problem encountered was wrenching the caps off the needle and the interferon containers. They were screwed on very tightly.

Is Besremi also an interferon medication? In Australia we only have access to hydroxyurea or Pegasys.

Hi I would like to ask if it is ok to take the Peg with a throat /viral infection, I am wary of skipping my fortnightly dose (45mg) LFT -ve Thankyou very much for any advice Bobbie

I've never drunk heavily (would drink on average twice a week, and up to 2 glasses of wine or a few beers per time) but since starting interferon, even drinking just 1 glass of wine is unpleasant! It makes me feel lightheaded, nauseous and as though the room is spinning.

i have just had my 5 th weekly Interferon Injection . having weened off Ruxolitinib . I thought by now the side effects of nausea dizziness fatigue and feeling depressed would have improved but they seem to be getting worse each time and not better .

Heamatolgist can only prescribe interferon HU Anagrelide not suitable for me. Referral for Professor Harrison done,fingers crossed that won't take too long. H

I am currently undergoing tests to rule out other causes but wondering if it may be the interferon causing this?

While my platelets refused to budge much on Interferon since stopping it the joints in my hands and feet have become painful my hips and lower back ache. My skin is much dryer and nails more brittle. I have a colonoscopy booked next week once done I will restart the dreaded HU.