I'm glad you asked the question!!!! I haven't begun tx as of yet, but probably within the next month. This place has been so helpful: what gauge needles, epi-pens vs syringes, etc. It is wonderful to get the whole range of thoughts and experiences.
Wilful1
you'll need a script.
a Rx. from a dr.
HOW CAN I ORDER "PEGASUS"
I'm on Pegasys & Riba, it's my 5th week. Can't say the treatment affected me that badly. No weight loss (I should be so lucky!), no depression, no joints pain. Ho9wever, I do feel more tired sometimes, get headaches, and also I developed mouth ulcers and my tongue bleeds after I brush my teeth. Anyone had that?
Anna
Hubby did both.....Peg intron was the worst.
Pegasy was much easier.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shebee
Thanks for the info - don't want to sound like a woose but I've had less than pleasant reactions to flu and tetanus shots, and just wanted to avoid a mis-step if I could. It is wonderful of you to share your experience and lend your guidance to us 'newbies.'
I've had 2 of three and had no problems. I take the 3rd in 4 mos., and I don"t expect any problems then either. My doc is si good, he not only doesn't bruise me, the shot didn't hurt either.He also gave me my flu shot sand pnuemonia shot w/ the same results. Hope you have the same kinda luck. joni
i had the hep a shots a few years ago, no problems. I've had 2 of the 3 hep b shots so far while doing tx, also no problems at all.
I HAD THE A/B IMMUNIZATION BOOSTERS DURING PREVIOUS TREATMENT AND HAD NO SIDE EFFECTS...I PREDICT AND HOPE THE SAME FOR YOU....GOOD LUCK.....EDGAR
The only adverse affect I had from the Hep A/B vaccines was in getting the dr's office to file the claim using the correct diagnosis code so insurance would pay. They haven't gotten it right yet.
....Just seemed like a normal shot to me; no sx or anything. And I got my first 2 boosters after I actually had started tx. Get my 3rd booster in April.
Sorry to butt in with what may seem an inane question (although inanity is one of my specialties):
My doc told me to go get immunized for Hep A and get a Hep B booster. No problem - but I wonder if any of you did took these immunizations and when you did, did you have any adverse effects from it (i.e. did you feel sick afterward, etc.). I'm trying to be conservative with my sick leave and wonder if I should schedule the immunizations for a Friday afternoon.
By the way, got the genotype results and I am a "1" but don't know if that's a simple 1 or a 1a or 1b (V/L 2.2 million)or how much that matters. Been rather difficult to prise info out of the doctor's office - still haven't heard results from the liver scan done on 01/12. They did say that all other results looked good so that was the positive note. Biopsy will be Feb. 10.
Thanks for the infomation, I really appreciate the responces. I have been posting and reading here for many years and have seen some grerat advice and bonding. Both are interferons and as such are going to have sides.
While on treatment I responed but cannot obtain a SVR, also the side's really hit me hard.
"magnum" I too am hoping the Protease Inhibitors get here soon, as I am at stage 3 fibrosis and like millions would really like a differant treatment.
Here is a link to the news about the FDA approval of pegasys in
Pre-Filled syringes
http://www.hepatitisneighborhood.com/content/in_the_news/archive_1554.aspx
God Bless,
Tony Z
I did my first shot of Peg-Intron last night, and have Rebetrol, 3 doses now of 4000mg each. I've not had any sides as far as I can tell. Drowsey from the Benedryl is all so far. I'm kkeping my fingers crossed.
Good Luck.....
thread subject change
ordering meds on the internet
i would be extremely reluctant about ordering any meds thru the net..what makes you think you are actually getting the product that is advertised..quality control is an issue, fraudulent products are rampant out there...is the med from the manufacture or some dirty bathtub of a third world country....be careful
Befuddled & others, scroll back down a bit to Update/GIPA, I have a question for you and others at the end of post- Thank's-- Harley Dude
I've been through three treatments and I will say I notice very little difference between Peg Intron and Pegasys. The side effects are nominally and very minimally changed and you will still have to deal with your temper and exhaustion and other weirdness. I guess I was lucky I didn't have to go on tranquilizers for the volatile temper fits. Avoid arguments, pinheads, enraged drivers, ex's and morons at all cost while on treament. I was also on Amantadine as well, but unfortunately, in my case nothing works. Luckily, I'm not progressing from stage 2 Fibrosis. I'm waiting for the Protease Inhibitors clinical trial to begin in this country. Canada and Germany are on their trials. Hopefully, the FDA will not drag their feet regarding this "wonder drug". Saying it like it is....
Good luck,
Magnum
I had blood in my last shot. I use the pre-filled syringes, and there is a tiny air-bubble that shows blood. there was such a tiny bit (and I'm too cheap to pay for 4 more syringes) I went ahead and used it. No problem, no bruise, and when I told my P.A. today, she said, no problem. Joni
I shoot the whole thing. Why waste it? I never can play by the rules.
I didn't ask for them, but I get My meds delivered in the Middle of North Dakota and the L.P.N. ordered em. I wasn't gonna complain!!! Joni
GOOD EVENING TO ALL....I JUST TOOK MY 6TH PEGASYS SHOT....DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IF I HIT A VEIN AND THE SHOT MIXED WITH BLOOD AND I PROCEEDED ANYWAY... WOULD IT BE AN UNEFFECTIVE SHOT?.... THE KIT COMES WITH ONLY FOUR VIALS AND THERE ARE NO EXTRAS..... THANK YOU ..... EDGAR
Intron A and Peg-Intron seem to have the most sides. My husband did the 3X week pre-mixed Intron and I did Peg-Intron and had to mix it. They both gave us a run for it. But we made it and are still undetectable. If I need to do this again, I'd choose Pegasys, I think. More people, it seems, have fewer sides on it. **Hopiangel**
Another good thing about Pegasys is that it come in pre-filled syringes or vials so there is no mixing. The prefilled syringes are really nice, and theres no mess ups. God luck this time! Joni
I did the Intron A/Rebatol combo (3 shots/week + Riba) manufactured by Schering 3 years ago. Had to quit after 7 weeks due to severe sides. I did alot of research on both Peg-intron (Schering) and Pegasys (Roche) as well as seeing lots of posts here on the subject before deciding to retreat. I decided to try the Pegasys product and for me, it's been much more tolerable then the old treatment. I'm a 1a and did shot 10/48 last night. Haven't missed a day of work (darn!) and get out for walks, yoga and such. I also like the fact that Pegasys comes in a vial pre-mixed. The Pegintron comes in powdered form and has to be mixed with sterile water. There have also been studies (UCSF) showing the Pegasys product stays in the bloodstream longer then Pegintron. The Pegasys may be more helpful to type 1's, but both work.