Pegasys or Peg-Intron

I have been just diagnosed with hep c. last month. I have seen the Hepatology Doctor and have had blood work done and a liver biopsy yesterday, will get the all the news on Tuesday. The doc gave me choices of starting TX with or without the biopsy or to not to do TX at all. Because of my age 53 he suggested I start the TX 24 or 48 weeks depending on my genotype. The only numbers I know now is my ALT has been over 140 sence 2001. I have learned alot so far from this site and others about hep c and TX. The doctors office had a flyer in the waiting room for Peg-Intron. I have been reading about Pegasys being less on the SX and SVR. If I have a choice with my doc. and my HMO whats your thoughts.

[layla]

Welcome to the forum.  FYI, many docs promote one or the other peginterferons because they are working with one of the drug companies that make either pegintron or pegasys. My doc promoted pegintron to me but I told him I only wanted pegasys which he had no problem with. I am sure the people here who did both will chime in. I hope we see you around. LL

[ringeding]

hey all....6 mo. post tx results back....i AM CLEAR.....another battle fought and won....thanks for all the support over the past year and a half....

kimmy

[Nwlywed]

I visited with my doc's PA today and she wants to put me on peg intron. I mentioned to her what I have learned off this site from ya'lls experiences that Pegasys has lesser side effects. She told me since I am very early (yeah) that it wouldn't really matter, I should have few side effects. She has 12 patients currently on. None have lost any hair. 2 have only had to stop working the last month (of 48) She didn't agree with an extended treatment regime. I don't know. What she says and what I read here are so different.
Really waht is the truth-what can be expected?

[layla]

Congrats! You've done it! Have a fun celebration. LL

[layla]

Both meds are close in SVR rates. I chose pegasys for the reported lesser sx's and the slightly higher success rate but it was very close. Most docs who recommend one over the other have some involvement with that particular drug manufacturer or did have. Mine was involved previously with a pegintron trial and was in the proccess of applying for funds from them again for another study. Still he had no problem giving me what I wanted. I don't know of any health reasons they would say no to one drug over the other. My doc was all for extended tx in my case but his RN told me he thought it was not neccessary. I am sure my doc did not know he told me that. You should talk to your doc directly about that. I think they only recommend it if you did not clear at 12 weeks or perhaps had a very high VL or a lot of liver damage but not just as an open option without a reason. I think you might want to discuss this issue with your doc directly to make sure if there were issues for you they would be open to this. Just my thoughts. LL

[Oreos]

In 2000, I tried Intron A/Ribaviron combination, Schering's predecessor to Peg-Intron.  I lasted 7 weeks and had to stop due to severe sides.  Before trying treatment again, I found research (posted on this site at some point) showing Pegasys had fewer sides and may better for type 1's.  Also, some folks here reported fewer sides and better quality of life.  My GI was cool either way.  I finished 48/48 two weeks ago of Pegasys/Copeg, and although it was no walk in the park, I worked the whole time and had some social life.  

Good luck : )

[Tony-z]

bluefin

Welcome to the Med-Help Forum.  My name is Tony.

I have Geno-Type 2B, viral load of 7,000,000 IU/ML 4 months before this treatment. My last biopsy showed stage 3 fibrosis with grade 2 inflammation. I am a relapser, I get rid of the virus while on tx but it bounces back when tx is completed.
I am 20 weeks into my 3rd treatment with Interferons.
This time I choose Pegasys. The first time was Non Peg-interferon tx 3 shots per week with Riba, the second was an uncompleted tx with Peg-Intron, I had to stop due to sides.

For me I have found that Pegasys has less side effects then Peg-Intron. At least psychologically, but I am have a few more problems with the physical Sides, this could be due to the previous tx.

If I were you I would go with the Pegasys. There are studies that are showing slightly less sx with Pegasys.

I wish you the best of luck, I hope that you will visit here as you need and/or enjoy to, there are many wonderful people here that can give you lots of support and knowledge.

                      God Bless

                         TonyZ

[Tony-z]

I will say congratulations, but it must feel more then that. You must be feeling on top of the world.

         Good luck with your new life.

              
                     TonyZ

[ral]

Great news Kim.


Bob L

[MS_Vicki]

bluefin=
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis... but you'll be happy to hear that you have stumbled across one of the most informative places on the net!
I wish you the best of luck upon your journey... but you're in the best of hands!!!
:)

Ringer=
Now That is the newss I have been waiting to hear.....
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!
Way To Go Gal!!!!
I Luv You!!!
:)

[scruffy]

way to go kid! You done REAL good!!!

[ts2010]

Kimmy,

There sure is a lot of good news going around lately.  You are now over 99% certain of a clear 1 year test.

Congratulations,
TS

[newco]

Hi again,
things feel real now, my meds came and I am afraid of needles, this is going to be really tough to start Saturday. (that's my day to start) Any advice? I have to do this and this is the real hard part for me. I did get prefilled syringes which is great so I don't have to deal with filling but I am going to have trouble sticking myself. Go deep fast or slow? Air bubbles are freaking me out too. (I have  avideo but I'm not confident) I know I sound like a baby about this but I have been having a lot of anxiety over this. I don't even look when I get  a blood test. Also I am going to start in the evening so should I start the pills the same day in the morning and evening, I'll do the shot in the evening but if I have I bad reaction I want to know if it's from the Copegus or the Interferon? Or start the Copegus the next day? I am really happy to read that sx aren't as bad on Pegysys. That helps to know. Also anyone having any major hair loss from this tx I have real long hair.
Thanks
(sorry for being a whimp)

[cuteus]

the doctor's  office gave me instructions on how to inject the med, and they also gave me specific directions on when to start the riba. haven't  they directed you as to what to do yet? give them a call, because it does not seem as if they were clear enough with their instructions to you. It would make it easier if you had all the answers prior to starting.
I am not clear as to how to end the pills, so I am calling them tomorrow to clarify that one.
as for the needle, think about it, if you slowly stab a pin in your skin as opposed to a quick thrust, which one you think would feel less painful?
anxiety is the most natural response you can have, you will do fine, because you want hcv gone.
you will probably sleep off whatever effect from the shot you get.  I hardly got a reaction to it and I did it around 5 pm on a weekday.

[newco]

thanks for the quick response, the GI I have wasn't too clear and they want me to start on a weekend because I work so I can't go in on Saturday for a demo. Sounds like a quik thrust will do it but I don't have the courage. They gave me a video to watch so you can watch it over but It's the real deal that is freaking me out. When the meds were delivered I cried. (I don't want this !@#$ing disease.) But when it came it became sooooo real to me that I am starting to panic about the side effects, just overwhelmed I guess. I work in a hospital and it's easy to be on the outside looking in but now I am on the other side of the glass. And it doesn't feel so good.
Thanks again you guys sound great and I am happy to know you

[layla]

Is this your last week? LL

[layla]

This is a scary thing your having to start now. Hang in there. The anticipation is often worse than the actuality. After you have done the first shot it will get easier each time. You'll be a pro in no time. The first is by far the worse. I would suggest taking your pills and shots the normal times you will each week. Take you pills first thing in the am with some food and take your second dose in the afternoon. The day of or the day after won't make a difference. In the beginning I took them with dinner but found out after time if I took them a bit earlier, like 3pm, I slept better. Do take them with a little food. Just push the needle in but don't bounce it. Your skin has elasticity in it so It will go in better if you just try to push it in smoothly. It's really not that bad. Don't worry about the air bubbles either just get out as much as you can. You'll do fine. Remember the anticipation is very difficult so try to keep your mind of it. Some of us are around on the weekend so you can chat here. Hang in there. LL

[DRAGON SLAYER]

Hey, Hey, Hey Kimmy,

Welcome aboard USS FREEDOM & may you enjoy your cruise. We certainly need all the hands we can get on this TOUR of DUTY.

Good luck to all,
Ben

[louisep]

Kimmi....my dearest friend.....CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!  YOU DID IT!!!!  This is the beginning of the rest of your life!!!  We're sooooo proud of you!  Big hugs from Steve!
Love ya Lady!!!!
Louise

[madbyron]

Welcome to the halfway house, ringeding. I hope you are feeling well and that you continue to stay clear.

bluefin, as the others have said, pegasys seems to be the way to go these days. I did 48 weeks of it (1b) and have remained virus-free through 9 months post. The sides were tough but manageable.

[ts2010]

A suggestion for your injections is to ask your doctor to show you how to inject in their office with a harmless iv solution. You can then do what you learned at home with the real meds.

About the sides, don't freak out if the first injection throws you for a loop. It happens to many of us and things get much better after 2-3 injections.

Good luck,
TS

[newco]

Thanks everyone for the injection advice. I finally got a hold of the docs office today and she walked me through how to do it on my thigh at a 45 degree angle and not to worry about the air.
when I get better at it I can switch to the stomach I guess. It was really reassuring to get all the suggestions and to find that I am not the only one afraid. And if all else fails my boyfriend will do it :) but I go to the doc Monday and if need be I will ask to practice. I lucked out I have a good and caring docs office to go to. I ahve to start this weekend due to my work schedule or I would've waited till Monday. They suggested I start on weekend and my days off are Sun/Mon. They also said to start copegus tomorrow but if I wait till Sunday it's ok as long as I do it the same time each day.
Thanks again I'll give ya a big "whoohoo I did it" after I do it LOL :).

[DRAGON SLAYER]

Hello & Welcome Fin,

Although my hepatologist wanted me to start with Pegasys initially he readily changed his mind when my insurance company  recognized PEG-Intron only....& said no difference between the two. Usually, if one med works so will the other accoring to him.
I was treated with PEG/RIBA combo for 6 mths, achieved SVR after being infected with HCV-2b for nearly 30 yrs.

Good luck to all,
Ben

[mikesimon]

I did both Pegintron and Pegasys and Pegasys was by far the easier for me to tolerate. I had the same blood irregularities with both drugs (low platelets and hemolytic anemia) but I felt much much better on Pegasys. The anemia is really a side effect of ribavirin  and not so much the interferon. Good luch regardless of which way you go.
Congratulations Kimmy. That's really wonderful news! Stay well. Mike

[cuteus]

yes, Sunday. they asked me to do it a day earlier than usual then do blood work exactly 4 days later and see them the 5th day, Friday. If blood work looks good, I might sneak a couple of wks with interferon alone,  I can't let go psychologically cold turkey. They have ordered another pcr on this last one. then I believe they do a 4 wk Pcr, post tx, so by the holidays I might have preliminary view of the results.
My mom is praying hard for me, I hope both the Tx and her praying work.
TY for asking, and you know that I ask for some of that positive energy from praying to be extended to all my friends here, ALL.
None of us deserve this illness, but what a blessing to have met all of you here.
wishing you tons of healthy years ahead.

[Lynne5477]

Sounds like your dr may be on the cautious side.   I would directly ask him if he will rx Procrit or Nuepogen if your blood counts drop rather than reducing your meds.  You will want to stay full dose for the entire tx if you can.  I lost my PA half-way thru tx and was moved to the NP.  The NP was not near as aggressive and called once wanting me to reduce meds.  Needless to say, I didn't.  Instead I went to my PCP and had more blood drawn and my counts were okay.  She also didn't believe in extending tx.  I finished 48 wks; VL at 12 wks was only 370 and I was clear at 24 wks.  Still clear at 4 wks post tx but don't get my next test til March 2005.

Please do your research on your dr before you choose him/her.  If possible, you only need to do this tx once.

Good luck to you.

[scruffy]

I know a lot of people like the quick jab approach to injecting but I was more comfortable with slow and careful.Depends on how you feel. Don't worry too much as you will quickly get used to it I would think.(although I had previous experience).I've heard some say let the pegasys warm up to room temp for less discomfort-maybe someone with experience will comment-I did peg-intron. Good luck!

[bluefin]

Thanks for all the good info. When I see the doc. on Tuesday I will find out more. I want to kill this bug asap! Thanks again

[ringeding]

hey all thank you SO VERY MUCH for the warmth and congrats....couldn't have done it without this place and this amazing bunch.....

bluefin, newco and newlywed....you are in one of the best spots i have ever found for great encouragement and wisdom and insight through out tx, i started and finsihed right here....i wish you all the best for your coming tx and although it is definately overwhelming, worry not my darlins, you are in good hands here.

hugs n stuff n love to all
kimmy

[snook_man]

Let me just tell you as a person that tried both, and is currently on Pegysus.. Pegysus is way, way better..
I first attempted treatment last May.. Dr ordered the Scherring peg, and I started and thought all would be fine.. Three days into tx, I started vommiting, and could not stop.. I vommited so hard, that my throat bled.. It was a chilling experience to say the least. But remember that everyones experience is different..Was Rx'ed Zofran, Xanax, and celexa..Threw it all up...I lost 10 lbs in six days, and Dr ordered me to stop tx.. I began researching immediately, and asking questions.. What I found is about the consensus around all the forums, and all the sites.. Pegysus is easier to tolerate.
I am doing shot three tonight, of my Pegysus copeg cocktail, and I feel a world of difference. Anxiety and mind **** still present, but in spells. This I can do!! The other, was like rat poison!!!!
Also, my insurance copay is less with the pegysus.. Go figure? If your Dr gives you the choice of which med you want, push for the Pegysus.. And good luck in whatever you do..

[Sam Hall]

You kmow how much i think of you, so you know how happy i am to hear that your clear.
Can i say i think your the best beaver in Canada or will that get missconstrued!
Luv and double hugs
Sam

[DonL]

I had a lot of anxiety also. The needles we use are far thinner than a pin and are surprisingly painless. The first one, I kind of hovered until I told myself to do it. After the first couple of shots, I had to rest for a half hour because I was shaking (from anxiety) so much. On the 8th shot, I was cooking dinner when I remembered I'd forgotten it. I turned the heat to low, went in and did the shot, and came back out and turned the heat back up and started stirring. The unknown is almost always worse than the known. Like the ad says, just do it.

Air bubbles, according to my PA, are not a problem in your stomach or thigh. There are no veins near where you will be injecting so there is no problem with bubbles. Occasionally, the liquid will pool under the skin--simply put a band-aid on it and rub gently to disperse it.

Trust me, after a couple, you'll be an expert.

The advice of getting your dr to let you inject saline, just to overcome the newness is a good idea. Mine had some kind of plastic patch that felt like skin and fat. He let me practice injecting it until I felt comfortable.

[Amerabrit]

CONGRATULATIONS:)
What else can I say, Kimmy?  You did it.....  YEAH*!*!

[susan400]

I am one of those strange ones who actually responded better to the Peg-Intron than the Pegasys.  When I took Pegasys my viral load and my LFT's actually increased.  Yes, my side were less, but it did not work on me.    I've been on Peg-Intron twice and the 2nd time was for an extended treatment.  Although the sides were worse, I handled it and my viral load and LFT's dropped.  I've treated 6 times and presently I'm on my 7 round of treatments.  I've never gotten to the remission point, but I remain hopeful.  I'm currently on daily Infergen + Actimmune and Ribavirin.  Good luck to you and God Bless.

Susan

[couchpotato]

Congratulations Kimmy, I knew you would do it. Aren't you the first of us Canucks to have their 6 month test come come neg?? Couldn't be more pleased for you, and if you're going back to Costa Rica this year, enjoy....enjoy....enjoy!!!

Take care, EH??????   Mattie

[MajNeni]

Ring: congratulations!  Live well.
Cuteus: "Enjoy" that last shot.  Consider, if you do extra interferon shots, that you want the 4-weeks post-tx viral load test done 4 weeks after you stop the drugs, not just after the official end of tx-date; relapses would occur after the interferon starts to wash out of your system.  I'm sure you can do the math on this.  I personally believe you've done your time, once and for all, and you'll get good test results.

New on tx:  
I also have experience w/both PegIntron and Pegasys, and had a much better time w/Pegasys.  I had to stop tx very early on PegIntron due to severe side effects, but could stand up throughout the 48 weeks w/Pegasys.  As said, though, the reactions to the 2 Pegs are different, person to person.  Copegus caplets are smaller to swallow than Rebetol capsules, which contain powder... I recall someone saying he exhaled powder after taking his Rebetol... What was that all about?

Tips on injections:  
1) go in at 45 degree angle to skin; needle point aimed so that the hole is pointing up, the long, pointy  side of the needle down. This makes the meds shoot in horizontally; less pressure, etc.
2) allow the alcohol on the skin to evaporate.  If alcohol goes in with the needle, it stings like crazy.
3) try to stay clear of blood vessels you can see.  You already mentioned that small air bubbles don't matter, since you are not going to hit major blood vessels close to the surface anyway.  

Oh, drink your water, and squeak if you have problems, side effects, etc.  To your doc, PA, and us.  Generally, there are remedies for sides.  There are no (well, very, very few) stupid questions here about Hepatitis.

Good luck from an ex-1B.  
Maj Neni

[DonL]

Don't worry about cold turkey. My dr actually said some people go thru withdrawal of sorts. For a couple of weeks after, I kept feeling like I hadn't taken my pills or gotten my shot ready.

Congratulations, though, on a long hard slog. I'm rooting for ya, big time.

[couchpotato]

How are you and your husband fairing during your long haul? Everything manageable? Sure hope so, maybe if you feel up to it, you can quickly update me. At one time, we were 2 of a handful of couples both battling this virus,(who found this place), and my heart and thoughts are you. Keep up the good fight, both of you.

Mattie

[couchpotato]

I was thinking about you awhile back and wondering where you were in terms of your treatment. So glad to hear you are crossing the finishing line.

Patience has never been a virtue of mine...but I am learning.

I have never been a religious person.....but I am learning.

I have never leaned on friends for help....but I am learning.

The ONE thing I have learned though, is, Miracles happen everyday. Keep the faith Lady, you will succeed and soon you'll have all this mess behind you. Besides, who dare screw with a woman who not only did her whole tx but went the extra mile(s), just to be sure??? You got it beat gal, sure as I breathe.

Peace  Mattie

[honey1616]

Yep,,,We all need to send positive thoughts, prayers or whatever works your way now,,,,You are next one in line that is ready for your permanent cure!!  I feel good about this with you extending and all,,,,You got it beat!

[honey1616]

Hey there,,,Yep we are managing and I think we will actually get to the end LOL  There has been rough spots on tx but it has gone by relatively fast and I will finish in Jan and my hubby is due to finish right before Christmas!  Thanks for asking and I was so glad to hear your hubby is #1 on list,,,,That is such good news! Please keep in touch with us!

[Califia]

This just in.    I've pasted the conclusions of a head-to-head study between Peg-Intron and Pegasys below.  They clearly suggest that going with Pegasys would be a smart move.   Best of luck!


http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/2004icr/aasld/docs/hcv/1101_b.html


Head-to-Head Study Compares Early Impact of Peginterferon Alfa-2a and Peginterferon Alfa-2b in Treatment-na

[cuteus]

"This study will end at week 12, the point at which early virologic response is determined.  Research has shown that patients who do not respond by week 12 are unlikely to respond to a full course of treatment.