Changing from Hydroxycarbamide to Interferon after 13 years

Going through treatment
, ,
1

Hi,

I am Bruce, 79 year old diagnosed with Essential thrombocythemia (ET) in 2012.

Been taking 3 or 4 Hydroxycarbamide plus Aspirin a day since then.

Unfortunately for the last 5 or 6 years I have had multiple skin cancers on my face which have been removed each time. Including the latest on 19th Nov.

It has been proposed that I try Interferon instead.

Has anyone experienced this changeover? If so, has it been successful and is there anything I should know. I have read that 25 % of people who try it, come off it again.

Any input gratefully received. In other regards, I am reasonably fit and well for my age.

Thank you.

2 Likes
2

Hello @Bruce

Welcome to our forum, and thank you for taking time to reach out.

I’m so sorry to learn about your circumstance, and I hear your concerns regarding the same.

You mat find the link - Transferring to interferon of use and also Hydroxy verus Interferon - experience? may be another good place to engage with people who have similar experiences with the medication you refer to.

I’m afraid unable to relate directly to your condition myself, my blood cancer is not the same (I am Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)) patient) never the less, we all have numerous questions regarding any medication we have had or that we are currently on or may be going onto.

If you feel you would prefer please remember you can always speak confidentially with our support services team for information and support on 0808 2080 888

Do feel free to let us know how you get on.

Take good care of yourself

Mike

4 Likes
3

Thank you very much for your correspondence -take care Bruce.

2 Likes
4

Hi Bruce

Thank you for posting

I was originally on interferon when I was diagnosed with a different type of blood cancer to yours and have to say it was probably the better treatments I’d been on. For my cancer I was a relatively new treatment so there is much info or data on the long last effects but though some have had issues and the side effects can be quite scary, I along with many others had a pleasant experience and so tolerating little to no side effects and it’s working well to low levels and alleviate symptoms. It can be very anxious injecting yourself but which guidance from your nurse initially you very soon find it easy and pretty good at it and will prefer it to anyone else doing it. The dosages will change like it most did with hydroxyl key thing is everyone is different and sometimes your body need something new for things to behave inside. Have faith in that you’ve been given sound advice based on your unique situation.

keep posting as we are all here to share the journey :+1:t4:

3 Likes