red blood cell count

[walkinhawk]

I have had problem with red blood cell count dropping. I've been sent for bllod work frequently for last 2 wks each time it's lower. Increases fatigue. are there other options than stopping tx. can't imagine starting over.also searching for new dr.

[nygirl7]

Procrit (or Epogen generic name) works WONDERS.  Unfortunately the docs usually make you wait until your hemo is at about 10 and once they give it to you it takes from 2 - 6 weeks to work but it will enable you to stay on treatment.  Even if it just stops it from dropping further, usually your body can sort of grow accustomed to that level (over 10 a bit) and you can managed.

I had drastic problem with it and never really got back up over 10.5 but I got used to dealing with it and it was ok.

[thegypsy9164]

I'm at week 13.  When beginning treatment, my RBC was at 17.  At week 10 my RBC had dropped to 7.1 and I was unable to function.  My doc brought me in for a transfusion and they gave me a couple bags of blood.  I've felt better over the past 2-weeks but can tell my RBC is going down again.  I am unable to take rescue drugs such as Procrit because I'm on a study that doesn't allow for it.  I understand how you must feel.  Keep your head up and like jim said, a hepatologist may be a good bet to consult.
Joey

[Bill1954]

At some point, if the red cells (more accurately hemoglobin) continue to drop, intervention will be required. This can consist of adding Procrit (epo) to your treatment regime, dose reduction of the drug ribavirin, and finally transfusion as a last resort.

If your hemoglobin drops below 10.0 g/dL, your doctor should administer Procrit. This will allow you to continue your HCV meds at full dose, giving you a better shot at successfully completing treatment, and hopefully achieving SVR.

Procrit can take up to four weeks to work; so if it appears you’re heading that direction, now’s the time to take action. What are your current hemoglobin results?

Bill

[jmjm530]

The helper drug "Procrit" is often used when hemoglobin (hgb) levels drop to a set point and/or when the rate of drop or drop from pre-treatment baseline is significant. The type of symptoms your're experiencing will also figure into the doctor's decision.

What was your pre-treatment hemoglobin? What is your hemoglobin now and what week treatment are you in?

If your doctor isn't offering helper drugs when appropriate by all means search for a new doctor. Were it not for Procrit I would not have been able to keep on a full dose of ribavirin for much of treatment.

The best doctors to treat with, and the most likley to prescribe Procrit, are liver specialists called hepatologists. Hepatologists can generally be found at your larger teaching hospitals.

-- Jim