Interferon for MPNs – Besremi now a treatment option during Pegasys shortage

We joined with charities MPN Voice and Leukaemia Care to find a solution. We asked NHS England to approve another version of interferon alfa called ropeginterferon alfa 2b (Besremi) to treat MPNs while Pegasys is in short supply.

NHS England has confirmed that Besremi is now available as a treatment option for people with MPNs, including essential thrombocythaemia (ET), polycythaemia vera (PV) or myelofibrosis (MF).

Doctors can now consider switching to Besremi as an option for people who are currently taking Pegasys.

Besremi is also an option for people who are newly diagnosed, if other treatments are not suitable.

The decision to switch to Besremi will be based on clinical need and your individual circumstances.

Using Besremi is a temporary solution – people will go back to Pegasys once the shortage is over. Besremi and Pegasys are considered to be equally effective.

This guidance is from NHS England, but Besremi may also be available in certain situations in Scotland and Wales. If you are having problems accessing Pegasys or Besremi in Scotland or Wales, speak to your hospital team. You can also tell us about any challenges at [email protected]

Like Scotland and Wales, Northern Ireland will not automatically follow the NHS England guidance, but healthcare professionals are trying to access alternative stocks of interferon. We will update on this when we can.

If you continue to take Pegasys, your hospital team may suggest adjustments to your dose to avoid waste. Be prepared for this, but ask questions if you are concerned. Don’t change your dose of interferon, or how often you take it, without speaking to your hospital team.

If you typically use less than a whole syringe of Pegasys, don’t reuse what’s left – it is not safe.

Call us free on 0808 2080 888 or email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment.