Does Ribavirin cause anemia when used with Sovaldi??

[nan535]

My husband just got approved for Sovaldi + Ribavirin for 24 weeks. We are very excited but he needs to get his hemoglobin up before starting his treatment. We already have the  meds in the house but can not start using them. He had a shot of procrit yesterday - labwork in a week to see if his hemoglobin is up from 8.9 (normal range starts at 13.9). His red blood cell count is 2.94 (normal range starts at  4.5).

I am confused. I had been told that when my husband was on triple treatment and had to stop because of severe anemia that ribavirin was the drug that caused the anemia but I just read in some old literature its the interferon shots that cause the anemia.  So which is it? Or, is it both?

Is anyone who is using Ribavirin now with Sovaldi experiencing anemia?  Just want to know what to look out for.

Thanks
Nan

[nan535]

You already are by being a participating member of this forum. You are getting help and you are also giving help by sharing your knowledge, experience, and encouragement.

Once you have reached SVR, I am sure other ways of giving back will come easily to you. You will have much to celebrate having dodged a big bullet!

I wish you the very best in your quest for SVR!

Nan

[nan535]

Thank you, Howie. As usual you always provide valuable information based on knowledge and experience.

Yes, I believe his doctor is preparing to treat his anemia throughout this treatment. She already ordered 5 vials of Procrit for him (40,000   which he will inject once a week (or at least that's the initial plan anyway).

Since going through the prior terrible experience of anemia on triple treatment, I think it is normal to be really nervous about this. Its what caused him to having to stop treatment and just the thought of that happening again is
just too hard to think about. Hence, the post.

My gut tells me he will probably have some issues with the anemia but he will make it through treatment this time - successfully.

Thank you for your encouraging post as usual.

Hope you are continuing to do well post-transplant, Howie.

Nan

[nan535]

Just an update -
My husband's ;atest labwork shows some improvement in hemoglobin and hemocrit one week after his first shot of Procrit.  Hemoglobin is at 9.1
and Hemocrit is at 28.0.  Dr prefers to start treatment after Hemoglobin is above 10 and Hematocrit above 30. He had his 2nd shot of Procrit today.
Hopefully he'll be ready for treatment soon.

Nan

[JimmyMose]

I hoping to start Sovildi & Ribavirin in about a month Genotype 2a,2c

My readings last week
HEMATOCRIT 47.3 % 38-50
HEMOGLOBIN 17.1 High g/dl 13.5-17

My doctor wasn't too concerned because my reading were near or a tad over the high end and have been like that for quite awhile although my PLATELETS ave 90 to a 100.   Once I start treatment I will provide regular updates.  In my journal I posted some blood test and biopsy history.  

[nan535]

Hoping you start your treatment very soon and that you will soon hear the words UNDETECTED and SVR!

Nan

[Sassydmeaner]

I am posting this to nan, just because that is the predominant poster here, although this actually reaching out to the group. I am a newbie-starting treatment tomorrow with Sovaldi and Ribapak. I am a genotype 2 having been exposed in the early 70's. I decided that I will share info as I go through this treatment. I am nervous about what to expect, but I am sooo grateful for the new meds. Interferon scared me. I don't really see where anyone has had very serious side effects. That to me, is good news. Anything I should be aware of?