Am new here and was wondering if others in similar situation could say what they have experienced. I was diagnosed with Essential thrombocythemia (ET) 18 months ago and was on watch and wait but also told when I reached 60 (in October 2025) I would need to go on meds due to the high risk of stroke/heart attacks etc. My consultant at Clatterbridge has asked me which I prefer hydroxycarbamide or interferon alpha. I opted to start interferon because I am awful at remembering to take medication regularly. Although, I am feeling healthy enough I do have other medical problems as most people my age. Cholestrol which is at lowest levels now (controlled with Atorvastatin), Arthritis, CKD and now by doctor has told me Iâm pre-diabetic. I already suffer from tiredness and difficulty sleeping, so am worried about the side effects of the interferon and how it will affect me at work. Wondering if I should opt for the hydroxycarbamide instead. Thanks for any help.
Hi Christie
I have p.v. and very reluctantly went onto peg interferon after 2 years of homeopathy treatment and not able to get my platelets to a reasonable level. (My red and white cells were good however)
I have been on interferon for 18 months now. Reducing dosage gradually from weekly to monthly. Side effects at first werenât nice but body gradually got used to it.
Depends whether you will find it easier to inject yourself or prefer to take a pill. Personally I didnât like the idea that you couldnât touch the pill and needed to put it in an egg cup to administer it. And some of the do and donâts when you are on the hydro drug.
Iâm 68, and would much rather not be on any medication but the interferon appears to help so at the moment going with it. I was diagnosed 4 years ago. The medical team wanted me to go on medication immediately because of my age, as I was feeling well I refused until my levels needed me to.
My suggestion would be to go with what you feel comfortable with and if your levels havenât changed, just because youâve reached the grand age of 60 doesnât necessarily mean you have to take something if you donât need to. Good luck, hope all works out for you.
Thank you for your reply. My levels are ok and im quite fit but I do have mild COPD, Hypercholestrolipidemia, CKD and am pre-Diabetic which all increase my risks of stroke, clots etc. Luckily I dont have to decide straight away and definitely need a longer talk with my consultant. So helpful to know other peoples experiences though and hope everything continues ok for you.
Christie.