Support materials
Your Guide to BESREMI®
How to Inject BESREMI® Instructional Video
How to Inject BESREMI® Guide
Patient organizations
Living with PV can raise questions and challenges. The organizations below offer educational materials, support programs, and connections to others who may be experiencing similar situations.
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Glossary of terms
Some of the terms below may not appear across this website. However, your healthcare team may use these terms when discussing PV, treatment, or care. Understanding them can help you feel more informed and prepared for conversations with your healthcare team.
A
Adverse event (AE)
Any unwanted medical effect that happens while taking a medication, whether or not it is caused by the treatment.
Autoimmune condition
A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
B
BESREMI® (ropeginterferon alfa-2b)
A prescription medication used to treat adults with polycythemia vera (PV). It helps regulate the production of blood cells.
Bone marrow
The soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are made.
C
Complete hematologic response (CHR)
A treatment outcome where blood counts are controlled within target levels defined by your healthcare provider.
Contraindication
A situation where a medication should not be used because it may be harmful (for example, certain medical conditions).
D
Dose
The amount of medication taken at one time.
Dose adjustment (titration)
A gradual change in dose over time to find the most appropriate amount for a patient.
E
Endocrine system
The group of glands that produce hormones (such as the thyroid).
F
Fatigue
A feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that does not improve with rest.
H
Hematocrit
The percentage of blood made up of red blood cells. High levels are common in polycythemia vera (PV).
Hematologic response
An improvement in blood counts toward target levels.
Hypersensitivity
An allergic reaction to a medication or substance.
I
Injection (subcutaneous injection)
A way of giving medication under the skin, usually in the thigh or abdomen.
Interferon
A protein that helps regulate the immune system. BESREMI® is a long-acting interferon therapy.
J
JAK2 mutation
A genetic change commonly found in PV that leads to increased blood cell production.
L
Liver function tests
Blood tests used to check how well the liver is working.
M
Monitoring
Regular check-ups, blood tests, or assessments used to track how well treatment is working and to check for side effects.
P
Platelets
Blood cells that form clots to stop bleeding.
Polycythemia vera (PV)
A rare blood disorder in which the body produces too many red blood cells, and/or sometimes too many white blood cells or platelets as well.
R
Red blood cells (RBCs)
Cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.
S
Side effects
Unintended effects that can occur during treatment. These can vary in type and severity.
Spleen
An organ that filters blood and helps fight infection. It may become enlarged in polycythemia vera (PV).
T
Thromboembolic event
A blood clot that can block a blood vessel. Polycythemia vera (PV) may increase the risk of these events.
Thyroid
A gland that controls metabolism and energy levels. Its function may need to be monitored during treatment.
W
White blood cells (WBCs)
Cells that help the body fight infection.
Additional practical terms for patients
Long-term treatment
Medication taken over an extended period of time under medical supervision.
Treatment response
How well your condition improves after starting therapy.
Healthcare provider
A trained professional (such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) involved in your care.