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New to Pegasys for ET - advice please!
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Feb 5 8:49pm | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
Welcome, @lourdene. There are many members here living with essential thrombocythemia with JAK2.
Specifically, I believe @nohrt4me @mortysdad @starchild have experience with Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) and may be able to offer suggestions about cost and this drug.
Lourdene, given your 30 years experience with ET, you may also be interested in these related discussions:
– People living with ET and taking Hydrea: Anybody setting records? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anybody-setting-records/
– I have JAK2 ET and MPN: Anyone else have these symptoms? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/jak2-et-and-mpn-symptomscause/
- High platelets, Jak2, ET, and pre-fib new diagnosis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/high-platelets-jak2-et-and-pre-fib-new-diagnosis/
May I ask what concerns you about taking Hydrea (hydroxyurea)?
Replies to "Welcome, @lourdene. There are many members here living with essential thrombocythemia with JAK2. Specifically, I believe..."
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Good question! I have been going over this in my mind for a couple of weeks. At first I felt that taking a chemo drug for a disease that has been stable for 30 years makes no sense. Then when I learned more about JAK2 I accepted that I am high risk and I have to do something. I am more afraid of the side effects of HU, although I realize that Pegasys has side effects too. But it’s not chemo! But now I am wondering if I made a too hasty decision, given the cost of Pegasys, the fact that HU seems to be a more common treatment and my concerns about injecting myself with a refrigerated product when I like to travel. But I just got a text that the Pegasys will be available tomorrow so I have to put this decision behind me.