The Ready Pen......

[Sunshine1022]

Just got. Call to say the pegysis ready pen is on recall.  Anyone else run into this problem?

[spectda]

Thanks for letting us know. I assume they are going with the vials for all of us, I haven't heard yet but I am sure I will.

- Dave

[Gee704]

I just received the call from my trial site about the recall.
She is replacing for two shots with redipens not on the recall.
The problem is with the seals.
She also said at my next appt I would get the powder and saline going forward.
At least it's a beautiful day here today for a ride!

[nygirl7]

I tell you I started off on the redipens myself but then switched over to the syringes - it was so much easier and I felt like I was getting 'all' the medicine (I used to hate that about the redipen the blob that would be sitting on my leg after injection).

It might be worth it to try. Plus if you get the interferon tablet all you do it mix it with the saline solution and you don't have to keep it refrigerated. I loved that I was always worried about power outages and it getting to cold if it got pushed to the back of the fridge or too hot in the front (yes paranoid).

And yes I was on Intron.  Might be worth considering I, as many others, eventually found out it was so much easier!

[spectda]

You can ask your doctor to order the vial and syringes and fill them yourself, it's no big deal!

[killsing]

Hi, Yes! i tried to reorder my Peg-intron yesterday and was told that it has been recalled! No one knows why yet? Do they? Anyway, I see that you are frustrated with your on-line mail order pharmacy too? I HATE the two services I HAVE to deal with. Both are operated by Express-Scripts. the other service they operate is Cura-scripts. Each and every month there is some kind of problem. Some Very major and some sort of minor but ALWAYS an issue. I hate them both! I am doing what I can to pressure my insurance carrier to seek a better option for their patients. Service is not very good(usually) although they do have  a few really good people. These problems always start at the top and rolls downhill.  Anyone finds out WHY Peg-intron was recalled please let me know?
Thanks!
Glenn

[Sunshine1022]

So I spoke to rep from Merck and it seems there was a recall on certain batches of the pen itself. The actual medicine is ok. So by what he is sayig it is only for certain lot #'s. Sorry to raise concern with anyone!

[spectda]

We take it subcutaneously, it's not going to hurt us. I am not worried about it personally. I just want to finish my treatment and svr. My study team has taken great care of me, I feel extremely thankful for them and I think I will svr in the end.

[spectda]

I don't think its a big deal. I just responded to.the original post when they couldn't find it.

[Gee704]

This recall is not posted on FDA's website, nor can I find it on SP's site.
Is this weird?

[missy_jasons_girl]

Wow didn't know that Dave! I'm on Pegasys, pre filled syringe. Hope they get it figured out for you guys!!

[spectda]

Yes they are different molecules. Pegasys (alpha 2a) is a larger molecule and stays in the body longer at higher concentrations. Pegintron (alpha 2b) is a small molecule and a week after injection the concentration in the body is very  low. if you search you will be able to find studies that support either one being more effective. some people don't cure with one, but are able to cure with the other.
- Dave

[RobertBeWell]

So, Pegasys and Peg-Intron are two different forms of alpha interferon, yes? From what I can gather:

Pegasys = Alpha 2a
Peg-Intron = Alpha 2b

[Gee704]

Thanks for the link Dave.
Just when I thought I was safe. I sure hope I can get through the next 17 weeks.
Why are we not hearing this from the our study sites?

[RobertBeWell]

"I wonder why these companies are having so much trouble with their glass!!??"

They probably all buy it from the same Chinese supplier, I suspect. Remember the drywall? And the poisoned dog food.

For the love of money....

[carol411]

Dave, thank you for the link.  I wonder why these companies are having so much trouble with their glass!!??  Scary stuff.

[spectda]

of course pegintron is available in a vial and possibly, I am not sure, a pre-filled syringe. I don't think there is a recall on those forms of pegintron.

[spectda]

Thats because it's the Schering Corporation pegintron redipen. I am not sure Roche uses a redipen. I think they use pre-filled syringes for pegasys. different interferons:


https://www.oncologysupply.com/Documents/News_And_Updates/Recalls/100110%20Schering%20PegIntron%20Recall%20Letter.pdf

[carol411]

I googled Pegasys and checked the Roche press releases and could not find a story about this.  Who called you?

[missy_jasons_girl]

O gosh, that's terrible!!