question for pegasys users - Hepatitis Message Board

dianasaska · 07-08-2003, 05:12 AM

When I was taking Rebotron (IFN injected 3x/wk plus 3 ribavirin tablets 2x/day) I noticed that the Rebotron liquid (squirted from the needle/syringe/pen to clear air) had a particular odour, somewhat synthetic and like an oil derivative (like turpentine or naptha/white gas).

Has anyone noticed if PegIntron or Pegasys injectable liquids have a similar odour, or do they have no odour?

I also noticed that if I got some of the IFN on my skin that I would break out in a rash where it came in contact, so I subsequently became careful about squirting the IFN onto my skin.

I am very interested in what anyone has to say about this wrt Peg IFNs (odour, skin contact sensitivity).

Neil/Lost1, I think you mentioned something about losing a precious drop from an injection once. And you also commented on how tough it was to insert the needle, I think that might have something to do with getting a less sharp needle - each time you poke your skin with one, the needle becomes less sharp. I remember that if I had to reposition the needle, it was tougher to break the skin.

Thanks!

Diana

Jemah · 07-08-2003, 07:36 AM

Hi, I am currently taking pegasys and haven't noticed any odor at all.

I also have sensitive skin and once I draw up the peg I use my alcohol wipe to dabb off any drops of peg on the outside of the needle. This seems to keep away the skin reactions.

Lord have mercy how on earth did you get thru 3 times a week on this stuff! You are a REAL woman!

Jeannie

dianasaska · 07-11-2003, 10:00 PM

Thanks, Yeah, a REAL woman, but bearing a child involves more pain.

Actually, Rebotron IFN had worse side effects than apparently Pegasys or PegIntron have. Several days after Peg IFN is injected it peaks and stays at a constant, average level. Whereas Rebotron would peak quite high about 6 to 12 hours after injection and then slowly dissipate to 0 over the next 24 to 48 hours so that you would have a huge peak followed by a lull repeated 3 times per week. It is the lulls between the lapsed dose and the next dose during which the virus has an opportunity to rebound. With Pegasys the dose is more constant, with fewer lulls that don't give the virus an opportunity to rebound, and at a bearable level. Again, it depended on the individual how bad the sides were with Rebotron IFN but from my experience I had lots of brain fog, anxiety and flu symptoms, yet I didn't miss a day of work although I took lots of rest breaks while at work and popped a whole bunch of Tylenol. Having people who cared for me helped at home and at work. Of course, I returned the care and love whenever I could.

Hope your treatment goes well. Its a fight whatever path you take. Dukes up!

Diana