Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Rescue Drugs

Is there a number set in stone that doctors will go by if you HMG drops,in my trial its set at 10.0 ..if you just treating by your self can you decide how low the HMG can drop before doing the rescues???
13 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
170041 tn?1219704519
10 is also the # the VA uses.The only effect it had was to make me feel alot better and that should make you look even better LOL.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Right now im pretty good with the sides...very mild,..and i look good..i wonder if i start the epogen will this resue drug be the one that knocks me back a notch into SX effect land,,,anyone notice a big SX change afetr doing the EPO??
Helpful - 0
691935 tn?1421027090
Also, Rocker - you can't do a lot of physical exercise/work with low hb - puts pressure on your heart.
Helpful - 0
691935 tn?1421027090
my hb dropped to 8, took 4 wks of procrit, elevated it to 10.3.  Three wks later dropped to 9.8 (a few days ago).  I passed on the procrit.  I think I've learned the feeling and will know if it drops further.  I assured the doc I would get to the lab as soon as I felt it had dropped.
Helpful - 0
717272 tn?1277590780
I USED to say 'if it kills me' but then I changed my mind.  Rocker, after reading your comments since the beginning I could never doubt that you'll make it.
Helpful - 0
577132 tn?1314266526
"I will finish this TX if it kills me....I am very determined...once I start something...I finish it"

You a Capricorn, Rocker?  I know it was just a figure of speech but there's no point killing yourself in the process of killing the virus!

I think the meds are building and building in your system and that's why the Hb is starting to drop.  I went anemic in the first 5 weeks then came back up to 10 and was fine until the last 8 weeks of tx.

Interestingly, I had also upped my fat consumption towards the end, although I know there are many around who dispute the connection.  I believe very firmly in it.

Hang in there, buddy, dropping below 10 is not a nice place to be and maybe you could ask them to start you early on the procrit as I've heard it takes a few weeks to work.

The other thing is that my Hb hovered around 10.3 for months before the final crash to 9.7.

It's just like dice....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
my nurse said that too..RIBA is the fat connection,,,the BOC is ok to with regular foods...well....im well over the 1/2 way mark...we will see...i will finish this TX if it kills me....i am very determined...once i start something...i finish it
Helpful - 0
717272 tn?1277590780
I think you've just been lucky up to now.  Look at your study consent form in the section where it describes the effects of the 3 drugs. "Boceprevir has been associated with anemia and lowering the count of a white blood cells called neutrophils."   I stayed crashed through 90% of the treatment and will never know if it would have neen easier without the boceprevir.  I was relieved to be in the short group because the long group would have to continue with SOC + bocep for 48.  I could have managed 20 more weeks of the SOC, I think, but dreaded the effects of the triple combo after such a rough 28 wks.  

There's a fat connection to the riba but I think the bocep snack is just to make it less hard on your stomach.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
BOC kills the red cells???...yes...i forgot that...ive been taking my BOC with more fatty foods latlely...avacodas...maybe this is why my numbers are tanking....they were holding between 11-11.8 ...all tru TX....NOW IM AT 10.4
Helpful - 0
717272 tn?1277590780
Sorry, I meant riba-induced anemia.  Boceprevir also contributes to low hgb.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
interferon-induced anemia????

I thought only Riba lowerd the HMG.
Helpful - 0
717272 tn?1277590780
10 is the norm.  The Procrit isn't labeled to use for interferon-induced anemia.  I think there may be safety issues if you try to drive the hgb very high.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I think 10.0 is pretty much it. The level must reflect the risk and cost. Can't just be runnin' 'round shootin' up $2k worth because ya feelin' a little puny.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.