I have experience with both drugs. I began therapy with PEGINTRON the weekend after Thanksgiving '03. After one month my viral level had dropped from roughly 3M to less than fifty. I was told then that I could cease therapy after three months. But, because of a lab error I was told last week that I would have to continue therapy for an addidtional three months. I was out of PEGINTRON, so the doctor gave me two sample vials of PEGASYS with the comment that ROCHE claims far fewer side effects than the Shering PEGINTRON product. I was sceptical but after two shots, I have to say (at least for me) that is the case. The PEGASYS doesn't have 1/10th of the side effects and I can manage my life and pretty much go as normal. With PEGINTRON, I was really out of it for a day to a day and a half.
For background use- I have (had) accute HCV type 2.
I have experience with both drugs. I began therapy with PEGINTRON the weekend after Thanksgiving '03. After one month my viral level had dropped from roughly 3M to less than fifty. I was told then that I could cease therapy after three months. But, because of a lab error I was told last week that I would have to continue therapy for an addidtional three months. I was out of PEGINTRON, so the doctor gave me two sample vials of PEGASYS with the comment that ROCHE claims far fewer side effects than the Shering PEGINTRON product. I was sceptical but after two shots, I have to say (at least for me) that is the case. The PEGASYS doesn't have 1/10th of the side effects and I can manage my life and pretty much go as normal. With PEGINTRON, I was really out of it for a day to a day and a half.
For background use- I have (had) accute HCV type 2.
My viral load was 3.2 million at the start, 12 weeks later undetectable.
Keep the faith!
Glad to hear you were undectable at 12 weeks. However, I would be curious to know what your initial viral load, priorto startign treatmetn.
I had my baseline labs drawn last Friday afternoon, and took my first shot of Pegasys in the doctors office that day.
I am hoping and praying for undectable at 12 weeks, but due to a high viral laod, I don't think my doctor is very optimistic about that!
Peg-Intron is metabolized(sp) by the kidneys. Pegasys is metabolized by the liver. I have cirossis and my GI RX's Pegasys/Copegus. So far so good as far as VL I was undetectable at 12 weeks. My ALT/AST have not made it to normal they are still elevated possibly due to Gallstones?? Dr. unsure wants to finish TX and watch. 4 shots to go.
Great news on your 12 week test. Incidentally, ALT/AST can be elevated from tx too (just something to consider).
Take care of yourself,
Scott
My GI did not treat his patients with pegasys+copegus, he told me he did not like the idea it was not weight dosed, so he was going to treat me with peg-intron, I wasn't to start tx for a couple of months, so that gave me alot of time to search the web for various information, since I did not know anything about HCV, then I stumbled across this forum and mentioned what my doc had said. They all recommended pegasys and told me to insist on it or I was going to find another GI, he gave in and started my tx with pegasys, well to make a long story short, He said I was his most successful patient so far as for the less sides, no weight loss, less depressed , all blood work was good, ect.. Sure hope he will suggest to his future patients to use Pegasys. See ya'll-- HD
Peg-Intron ( shot) boosts the immune system to fight viruses. Rebetol (Ribavarin) is an anti-viral drug,which fights against viruses. The dual therapy is necessary. I was on Peg-Intron/Ribavarin and am considered a relapser. You can read my post under second round of treatment. It is necessary that you find the right doctor and the right therapy for you. Good Luck-If I can be of help, please post.
I also have cirrhosis,I almost died in july 02. I've never taken Peg-intron because my doctor gave me a choice and I had heard that that the sx.effects on pegasys were milder.I have been taking it for 8 weeks now, and except for headaches and mild joints and slight nausea, I have not had any sides. The bloodwork I've had done so far hasn't shown VL, but my AST & ALT are back in the normal range, which means I am a responnder. I think I remember hearing tha peg-intron is easier on the liver, but I'm not sure. Hope that Helps some. Theres others who know more that I'm sure will answer later. Joni