Aa
procrit, neupogen, and interferon generics
the new healthcare bill has has placed a 12 year exclusivity on biologics. and new legislation asks lawmakers to reduce this to 7 years. lifesaving drugs. my take on thisis most people discontinue tx because of blood disorders. if red and white were available at a dirt cheap price, can drs. safely use procrit at 11 and neupo at 2? also interferon is a bio drug. it would never be refused. barry
No, you wouldn't want to use Procrit with a hemoglobin of 11 because of the risk of creating blood clots.
And using the Neupogen when you don't need it will do nothing. You'll be wasting it.
Co
And using the Neupogen when you don't need it will do nothing. You'll be wasting it.
Co
And let me just add you really don't want to take Neup unless you absolutely have to. For me the combination with the INF and Neup is not a pretty sight. But...if this gets me to 48 weeks of tx, without any reductions which I have refused, bring it on!
Procrit at 11 and neup at 2?
I really doubt you would find many doctors that would use it at those levels, at least I would hope not.
I really doubt you would find many doctors that would use it at those levels, at least I would hope not.
Wow I just realized I didn't even address what you really asked. First, isn't intervention for anaemia considered at 10 rather than 11? And for Neuropenia .5 or so?
As Jules and Diana point out there are ways to deal with the side effects if the protocol is followed (i.e. Riba dose reduction, etc). And ways to treat **if the side effects are managed properly.**
I've made no secret how the systemic lack of options that gnaws me but if I read about the implications of what you are suggesting (Epo & Neupo available dirt cheap) I see more potential for harm in that than good. There are so many doctors who do not know what they are doing when it comes to Hepatitis C.
Use of those drugs means routine CBCs and oversight over other medical conditions and I just don't feel that confident in having drugs like that easily available. I hate to see people struggle but careless use of drugs like that scares me more. I mean, doesn't Epogen have a black box warning?
As Jules and Diana point out there are ways to deal with the side effects if the protocol is followed (i.e. Riba dose reduction, etc). And ways to treat **if the side effects are managed properly.**
I've made no secret how the systemic lack of options that gnaws me but if I read about the implications of what you are suggesting (Epo & Neupo available dirt cheap) I see more potential for harm in that than good. There are so many doctors who do not know what they are doing when it comes to Hepatitis C.
Use of those drugs means routine CBCs and oversight over other medical conditions and I just don't feel that confident in having drugs like that easily available. I hate to see people struggle but careless use of drugs like that scares me more. I mean, doesn't Epogen have a black box warning?
I was wondering if you had an link to the part of the healthcare bill you are referring to? Maybe a small excerpt from the bill?
My HGB got down in the 9's one time but that was doable. I have never used procrit but I use Neup pretty much on a weekly basis for low ANC. I am normally between 4-5 and the Dr says take the Neup shot.
My HGB got down in the 9's one time but that was doable. I have never used procrit but I use Neup pretty much on a weekly basis for low ANC. I am normally between 4-5 and the Dr says take the Neup shot.
Lat week I had 8.7 and to be honest I was not feeling bad, in fact I was quite energetic.
My sister gave birth recently and her hemoglobin went down to 10.4
In the country she is living, Italy, blood transfusions will be given every 4 hours when hgb is down to 7-7.5
Hence I really do not think procrit should be used at 11. This is an overkill and I am not seeing it as being justified. I cannot understand dose reduction either at 11
Did I miss anything here?
My sister gave birth recently and her hemoglobin went down to 10.4
In the country she is living, Italy, blood transfusions will be given every 4 hours when hgb is down to 7-7.5
Hence I really do not think procrit should be used at 11. This is an overkill and I am not seeing it as being justified. I cannot understand dose reduction either at 11
Did I miss anything here?
my take on this is most people discontinue tx because of blood disorders
_______________________
This is really interesting. I have not kept up with how the new healthcare bill is going to work. I know a lot of people are hanging their hopes on the ability to treat when all that comes about.
But the real thought provoking idea is your take on treatment adherence. I am really am inclined to think lack of management of adverse events for both dual and triple therapy plays a huge role in treatment adherence.
This probably goes on the Social Side but I'll bite. Though I bet there is a boatload of reasons, it seems like the inability to manage haemolytic anaemia (or maybe even neutropenia) makes a huge difference. An old family friend who resides in the UK is treating right now and I am outraged she is walking around with Hgb floundering at 8.5 and reduced Riba (400). They are waiting her HGB to plummet so she can have a transfusion. I don't want to hijack your thread but I see that scenario on here so often that I felt like I had to say that.
http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productid=1364
_______________________
This is really interesting. I have not kept up with how the new healthcare bill is going to work. I know a lot of people are hanging their hopes on the ability to treat when all that comes about.
But the real thought provoking idea is your take on treatment adherence. I am really am inclined to think lack of management of adverse events for both dual and triple therapy plays a huge role in treatment adherence.
This probably goes on the Social Side but I'll bite. Though I bet there is a boatload of reasons, it seems like the inability to manage haemolytic anaemia (or maybe even neutropenia) makes a huge difference. An old family friend who resides in the UK is treating right now and I am outraged she is walking around with Hgb floundering at 8.5 and reduced Riba (400). They are waiting her HGB to plummet so she can have a transfusion. I don't want to hijack your thread but I see that scenario on here so often that I felt like I had to say that.
http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productid=1364
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
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.
