Peg vs. INF

What is the difference and where can I find more info.
Thanks
Teri

[katerika]

Pegasys vs Interferon.
I didn't reach UND at 26 weeks on 1200 Riba & 150 Interferon. Dr, mentioned trying Pegasys next.
wondered where I could find some facts comparing the 2 and results of SVR for geno 1.
So far I have heard the side effects were more tolerable with the Pegasys. It seems like something is askew if so many are using the PegInterferon as 1st round of tx.
Thanks for info
Teri

[Proactive]

I think you may be a bit confused? Pegasys and pegintron are both pegylated interferons...Perhaps you are thinking of one of interferon alfa's....which are nonpegylated and generally taken daily..

Gosh for New Hampshaa being such a small state, there sure are morethan a few of ya posting these days...(g)

[IAmTheWalrus]

Yeah, the main difference for the Pegasys (or Pegylated Interferon) is that it is formulated in a way that the interferon remains active in the blood for a longer time and thus requires injection once a week rather than multiple times a week. Studies show improved success using Pegasys and Ribavirin versus Interferon and Ribabirin. I have heard that the sx are more tolerable for the Pegays; perhaps due to the once/week dose.

[Proactive]

"Studies show improved success using Pegasys and Ribavirin versus Interferon and Ribabirin" I don't believe studies show much if any difference between pegasys and pegintron...But it seems more knowledgable doctors will suggest changing from one to the other if the first one doesn't appear to do the trick..and then finally to a daily low dosing of an alpha interferon such as Infergen....and then of course there is Albuferon in trials (dosing every 2 weeks I believe)

[IAmTheWalrus]

Thanks for the clarification. I haven't got to that point yet, but I read of others whose docs have switched the other interferon. I think it is peginterferon-2b  opposed to Pegasys being interferon-2a. That right?

[jmjm530]

Peg versus INF
--------------------
Those terms are often thrown around loosely, so can have mutiple meanings.

"Peg "could stand for Pegasys, or Pegylated interferon or Peg Intron.  Pegylated interferon is a longer-lasting interferon that only requires one injection a week. SOC (standard of care) uses Pegylated interferon.

Pegasys and Peg Intron are two brand names for Pegylated Interferon. Most here treat with either Pegasys or Peg Intron and they both work about the same. Pegasys is made by Roche. Peg Intron by Shearing.

"INF" could stand for non-Pegylated interferon, Infergen, or often used as a generic term that covers all interferons including pegalayted interferons.

Non Pegylated interferons were used before Pegylated interferons and were injected 3X per week instead of once per week. You don't read about too many people treating with non-Pegylated interferons anymore, at least in this country. The exception is Infergen. Infergen -- also called "consensus interferon"  -- is a more potent type of interferon sometimes used for relapsers. It is injected daily.

Hopefully, this clarifies, rather than confuses, but the bottom line -- at least here -- is understanding the context the word is used. Context will usually clarify the definition.

But for most practical purposes, the only two drugs the majority of us are concerned about are Pegasys and Peg Intron -- both are Pegylated interons, often just  called "Peg".

-- Jim

[nygirl7]

If you are indeed talking Pegasys vs. PegIntron my doc said it's basically just dependent on what the hospital that the doctor is affiliated with uses...and that pretty much just goes by which company salesman gave them a better deal.

[katerika]

Previous tx was on PegIntron Redipen / Peginterferon Alfa 2b. I started at 120 then upped to 150.
So basically I am changing drug companies from Shering to Roche and there isn't any difference in the drug, doses and side effects. Hmm.
Jmjm you are an angel.
Hugs
Teri

[moahunter]

I think a few people have found the sides a little worse on PegIntron than Pegasys. Myself included, although I used Pegasys as mono without Ribarvirin, which is sometimes done with acute. But it is probably not correct to generalize, as people will react differently. It is very good that we have two options, and accordingly, it is good that different hospitals and different doctors have different preferences.

[katerika]

Well in that case, I am ready to restart treatment . I guess it's best to start with the drug with the worst sides. Second time around will be a piece of cake.
Ter

[moahunter]

"Second time around will be a piece of cake."


The sort of cake that is dry, and that you often choke on (I am 46 weeks into 48 right now on Pegintron).  But in saying that, I really hope Pegasys is a little easier for you, it may work the second time, and you should have a good idea one way or the other by 4 weeks and then 12 weeks with PCR's. Good luck!

[katerika]

Wow, 46 weeks! Great going.
Was this your 2nd time around?
? genotype, Stage?
I love success stories.
Teri

[crazy4johnny]

i just found out that i have hep c. I got to take the treatment on thursday. Does anyone know how the treatment makes you feel?? I heard that it is very bad???Please let me know. My email is ***@****

[zazza]

You just found out you have hep C and are already starting treatment? Are you an acute, ie did you acquire the virus recently? If not, there will usually be testing done to determine if this is the ideal time for treatment or not. What is your genotype? What is your baseline viral load? These and other questions are questions you need answers to.

As you see, your email address got blanked out. I suggest you start a thread of your own instead of posting at the end of this one. Many more people would see it and come forward to answer your questions. Tell us more details about your hep C if you know any, and we will do our best to share information with you.

The worst thing with treatment is that it is so long. It is doable, and the amount of side effects each person gets differs, and differs from day to day, week to week, but sometimes it seems like treatment is endlessly ongoing. It will be so nice to finally stop taking these drugs.

You are young, and have probably not had hep C for so long. That is in your favor. Good luck!