Has anyone been on BESREMI (Interferon)?

Posted by lrs1953 @lrs1953, May 29 7:51pm

I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia w/JAK2 4 years ago. My platelets continue to climb and I’ve been on Eliquis and baby aspirin for over a year now. My last lab showed platelets are 864 and we’re in the high 700’s for the past year or so. I couldn’t take Hydroxyurea as it caused severe neuropathy and my oncologist stopped it. Thank you..
Has anyone tried BESREMI (Interferon) for lowering platelets?

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | May 30 10:18am

Hi @lrs1953 There are a number of members who have Essential thrombocythemia who are taking Besremi to help lower their platelet levels. Here is a link to search results so you can take a look at the different conversations: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/

Hopefully the Besremi will do the job for you without having any more issues with neuropathy. Have your neuropathy symptoms improved since stopping the Hydroxyurea?

cariadk | @cariadk | May 31 5:37am

Yes I started Besremi less than a year ago. I had been taking Hydroxy urea since 2021 when my platelets were 1400. My platelets were at about 900 when I started Besremi 6/25. now about 388. I had to go up to dose of 400 before it had any impact. I had severe brain fog at that dose but the platelets dropped and we dropped the dose. I’m now at a dose of 200 and feel good. Sometimes trouble sleeping.

cshew | @cshew | May 31 9:57am

Hello there, I started Besremi in July 2025. It has been very effective for me. My platelets went from over 1 million to 233. I am currently at at dose of 150 (down from 200) and have had only minor side effects - mostly dry mouth, some fatigue,some mouth sores, but those improved with a lower 150 dosage. I also had to increase my thyroid medication and my A1C went up. I wish you good health and that Besremi is effective for you.

lrs1953 | @lrs1953 | May 31 10:30am

In reply to @cshew "Hello there, I started Besremi in July 2025. It has been very effective for me. My..." + (show)

@cshew
Thank you..I’m encouraged to read this. All the possible side effects scared me. I’ll keep you posted.

lrs1953 | @lrs1953 | May 31 10:37am

In reply to @cariadk "Yes I started Besremi less than a year ago. I had been taking Hydroxy urea since..." + (show)

@cariadk
Thank you for your response..I’m so happy to hear Besremi worked well for you ! All the possible side effects scared me..it’s so reassuring to see positive results. I do have neuropathy that flairs up easily so I’m praying this will not happen again.

lrs1953 | @lrs1953 | May 31 11:11am

In reply to @loribmt "Hi @lrs1953 There are a number of members who have Essential thrombocythemia who are taking Besremi..." + (show)

@loribmt
Hello.. I have CMT as well. I’ve had a tough couple of years; January 2025, I had a bad fall, broke my C2, 4 and 5 and also my pelvis. With that and ET and CMT, it’s overwhelming at times. Thank you for your response and I so appreciate a mentor.

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 1 9:53am

In reply to @lrs1953 "@loribmt Hello.. I have CMT as well. I’ve had a tough couple of years; January 2025,..." + (show)

Oh golly, @lrs1953. Life sure can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re under daily stress with pain and chronic issues. It can be a challenge to keep those positive thoughts coming!
I know we’re in the discussion about Besremi and probably veering off the subject but how are you doing with the CMT symptoms?

mdramsey48 | @mdramsey48 | Jun 1 2:36pm

In reply to @cshew "Hello there, I started Besremi in July 2025. It has been very effective for me. My..." + (show)

@cshew Do you have ET or PV? I can’t tolerate HU so my hematologist put me on anagrelide but I have an extensive family history of heart disease. I think I want to try an interferon and hope no side effects.

cshew | @cshew | Jun 1 3:27pm

In reply to @mdramsey48 "@cshew Do you have ET or PV? I can’t tolerate HU so my hematologist put me..." + (show)

I have ET with an MPL mutation.

mdramsey48 | @mdramsey48 | Jun 1 9:23pm

In reply to @cshew "I have ET with an MPL mutation." + (show)

@cshew Thank you and sorry you are here…well you know what I mean lol

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