pegintron maintenance post LT

[sallyo]

All this talk about which week everyone is on at at what point they will continue or stop has me worried.  I really don't know what week I'm on.  Except for breif breaks due to anemia mostly, I have been taking interferron for several years.  I started several times on full dose but now I am on 30mcg and my enysmes have started to rise.  Anyone else post LT on "maintenance " therapy?  I'm sick of being sick and wondering what this long term interferron can due to me.  Thanks

[whataprize]

I was on "maintenance" for 1 month my VL and enzymes spiked so my doc said to stop it. I greatful not to be on the poison, but dissapointed that it didn't work for me.

Just waiting...

[jmjm530]

As Susie says, what you're on what is termed "maintenance" therapy and a recent study suggests it may not work. If it were me, and my doc wanted to continue me on maintenance, I'd seek a second opinion. Best person for a second opinion is a liver specialist (hepatologist). They can usually be found in your larger, teaching hospitals. If you tell us what part of the country you're in, maybe someone can suggest a doctor.

-- Jim

[Susie2007]

Long term interferon to stop the progression of the disease and hopefully reduce the chance of HCC and other terrible effects of cirrhosis has been proven not to work. YOu can find articles on this by googling maintenance therapy or HALT C trial results. It was a big disappontment to some of us. If you are sick from it, discuss stopping with your physician.