Interferon (Pegasus) Side Effects

ledford · Newbie Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 13

My doctor wants me to take Pegasus in order to treat my hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The previous medication I was on started causing unusual and difficult side effects (like insomnia and depression), so I’m a bit worried. What are the side effects caused by Pegasus?

vanderschaaf · Newbie Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 18

My experience with this drug is appalling. I was normal, healthy person and then I got hepatitis after having unprotected sex. I accepted that, went to see my doctor, had regular checks, took prescribed therapy... I was very positive. So I learnt how to live with my condition during my first three years with hepatitis. And then I had to change my medication and my doctor gave me Pegasus. I was told about side effects such as lactic acidosis (your cells die) manifested in tiredness, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath... I was also told about fever like symptoms such as chills, muscle pain, headaches... Insomnia, difficulties in concentration and clear thinking are also possible. In order to avoid those side effects I followed my doctor’s advice and took Pegasus before my bed time. Three months from the beginning of my therapy I tried to kill myself. Nobody mentioned that side effect. I just felt tired, got sick off all those things I’d been going through for the last four years... Specialist detected serious depression caused by taking Pegasus. It’s been six months from my suicide attempt and I’m feeling much better. No need to say that my doctor took me of Pegasus the moment he found out. As you can see, side effects can literally be lethal sometimes. I don’t want to frighten you, I just want to recommend extreme caution when Pegasus is taken.

Guest · Guest

Hi,
I would like to know if anyone can help me. My best friend is due to start the pegasus interfuron tomorrow. I just have a bad feeling. She is pretty ill with the "C", and has a depressive personnality. If she does not take it, she may not have a chance, but I am worried about this pegasus interferon, like I said, I just have a bad feeling, and after reading these postings, I see why. Any advice, ideas? PLEASE.
Thank you.

Lickity Split · Newbie Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

I was diagnosed with Hep C in 1989. I have taken 3 different versions of Interferon treatment in the past 12 years with horrible side effects and they have never made any significant impact on the virus. In July of 2007 my RNA count was 26 million which is very high so I began treatment with Pegasus. At week 12 of treatment my viral count was UNDETECTABLE! Praise God. I now have 6 weeks to go and my Doc says if in another 6 months my counts are still undectable he will consider me cured. I know of another patient who started treatment shortly after I did and has had similar results. The side effects are very hard, I lost 20 Lbs in the first month, missed work every other day, have been extremely nauseated, depressed and felt on the verge of death at times but after 20 years of being told there is no cure and I will probably die from this, I am very grateful that I have stayed the course. I suggest this treatment with the following; start on an anti depressant before you start treatment, if the side effects get so bad insist the doc lower the dose (we lowered my dose to half after 2 months and it made a big difference, and finally be in prayer, all things are possible with Jesus Christ.

Guest · Guest

i've had hep c since 8 years old after a blood transfusion, wasn't detected until i turned 22,
started treatment at 1500000 RNA and at week 12 was negative, i just finished the course. i have to say that my first shot was an awful experience, fever, headache, chills, pain everywhere, basically - torture. fortunately after that first shot i have had no side effects, except constantly wanting to eat and stomach (washroom) problems every once in a while...so good luck to everyone, i'll see how i did in 3 months

Trudy Christiansen · Newbie Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 2

I got my Hep C from a transfusion in 1984, in 2000 I was diagnosed with the disease and didn't start the Interferion treatment until 2003 when my viral load warranted it. After the 6 month course of injections I was viral load free. Now I have developed symptoms of MS. The Hep C attacks the nerve conduction coating in the brain and this is what I believe allowed the MS to take over. I now see that one of the treatments for MS is Interferion, how ironic.

Interferon (Pegasus) Side Effects

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