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Interferon benefits/side effects
My doctor is suggesting I try Interferon instead of HU. I have Essential thrombocytosis Cal-R and have been on HU 1,000 M-F and 500 S & S since 2020. I like the idea that it actually treats the disease but the side effects (flu like symptoms, depression) worry me. Who Is on this treatment and what has been your experience?
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I'd be interested in knowing more about why yr doc is suggesting the switch. Am on a similar HU regimen for ET-CALR for the last 6 yrs. I am 70. No problems with it, and don't expect to be on it beyond the 20-year point where the docs start to worry about long term effects.
Age may affect how you'd respond to interferon. In the past, those over 60 seem to have more side effects. However, I think that dosing strategies may have gotten better.
Besremi is very expensive in the US, and that may be why far fewer people are on it.
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1 ReactionI was on interferon for 11 months for hep c.
It made me a mad woman. Beyond irritable.
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1 ReactionI was on Interferon and Rebatron for HEP C. It was hard but made it and it helped slow down my cirrhosis and I will be 69 this year. Hopefully my organs will last another 10 years!
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3 ReactionsI have been on Pegasys for about 2 years. I have ET Jak2. It brought my platelets down into normal range within a few months. I have had no side effects. Now I am taking 45 mcg every 2 weeks, down from a weekly dose. The only problem is that it is expensive. Good luck.
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1 ReactionHi there just wondering do you have any autoimmune issues as well as ET?
Not that I know of