Procrit Question

[MelvynB]

I am in week 12 of triple (victrelis) and feeling ok all things considered. Last labs showed an hgb drop to 9.8 from 10.7. Doc is recommending procrit but from what I read it is sort of a mixed bag. I don't want any more sides than I already have so my preference is to keep going without the procrit, unless of course it drops a lot more. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

[frijole]

Get the procirt.  It sounds like your hgb is on a downward trend.  I am on vic too and have had hgb in the 9s for 9 out of the last 14 weeks.  I find hemoglobin in the 9s very difficult to function in.

Not sure what the mixed bag is.  I think the benefit of procrit far outweighs any side effect but I am not sure wht the side effect is.

frijole

[MelvynB]

Several older posts on this topic seem to indicate achiness, bone pain etc. as common sx. I am meeting with the hematologist next week to discuss. I am actually feeling ok in the 9 range and work 5 days a week so I can tolerate it right now. Not sure about dropping below 9 though. Thanks for your feedback frijole. The board has been great to get feedback on things like this.

[tiredturkey19564]

I'm on my 31st week on vic with hgb of 9.2. I actually have more energy now than when it was higher. So far no helper drugs. 5 more weeks to go!!YEA!
Linda

[marty59]

I am on week 22 and when my hgb dropped I started procrit (epo) and it was a win win situation.

[willbb]

If your doctor is experienced with treating HCV,especially as it pertains to these new drugs then following his/her advice is always recommeded.
Vic has be shown to decrease HGB in approx half the patients treated with it in trial.
Many doctors are treating this as per dosing protocol with a slight dose reduction of Riba and others are introducing procrit or both .
For the most part some levels of mild anemia(10HGB) .can be tolerated and for others not so much.The dosing calls for the slight reduction in Riba at <10.
You have quite a ways to go only being at week 12  so keeping a very close eye on the HGB. would be advised .in order to intevene if need by either method your doctor chooses.

Good luck..Will

[willbb]

Vic has be shown to decrease HGB in approx half the patients treated with it in trial.
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meant" has been shown to decrease HGB.  in approx. half the patients treated with it in trial...that develop anemia

[rockymoe]

Do the Procrit. I got so low I had to have a transfusion. I was back up in the 11's, now back down to 9.5 been on Procrit 2 weeks now.

[sandysf]

I think it is an individual decision.. I never did procrit, just dose reduction.  And am still UND 4 weeks post tx.  :)

[Advocate1955]

Last year, on daily infergen/1400 mg Riba treatment, my husband's NP put him on procrit when he became anemic.  It worked, and I don't think he had any negative side effects.  This year, on triple therapy with Inc., his NP (same NP) did a dose reduction from 1200 mg. Riba to 800 mg. Riba for two weeks when he became symptomatic of anemia, and it worked.  He increased back to full dose of Riba two weeks later and has been fine.
Advocate1955

[frijole]

I don't experience bone pain with procrit.  Now I have with neupogen (for low ANC) but not so with procrit.  IT does burn a little on injection.  You have to let the vial warm up first.   I think the adverse affect of procrit is if you don't monitor it and you let your hgb rise too much.  You should not let it rise more than 2 points or it can create a strain on your heart (Is that what everyone else understands?  _ I don't want to speak in error, but I am not looking it up right now).
I am glad you can work at 9.8 but 9.1 may be another story.