Hepatitis C, Ribavirin and acanthocytes

[MarkFly1]

I've been on triple therapy now for over 7 weeks, viral load has been undetectable since week 2, but now my hemoglobin is sufficiently low that my doctor wants to reduce the Ribavirin a bit.  I noticed on my last blood draw report that the smear revealed acanthocytes.  I understand they are associated with various conditions such as types of anemia.  Is it fair to say this evidence of acanthocytes is a typical development on triple therapy?  Or does it also reveal something more about my liver's condition (cirrhosis perhaps?).  Any comments are welcome.

[MarkFly1]

Thanks Jules.  I appreciate the boost.  I'll have to try the folic acid idea too.  My doc reduced my riba dose.  Wed. getting the 8week viral load.  I'll know more then.  I sleep an awful lot these days ... :(

[cheflady]

hi my hubby was on triple tx and his count went to 9 i think anemia is all part and parcel of the tx hubbys hep doc just gave him some folic acid and told him to eat more greens and red meat not good advice when no appetite but we did find that once he finished with the incivek his count improved enough not to reduce the riba dose. Good luck with rest of tx. Take care and hang in there worst part nearly over! Jules

[MarkFly1]

Thanks for the comment can-do-man!  I had not seen any report of acanthocytes in my previous blood work, so I was concerned.  I guess it the result of being on tx for 7+ weeks.  Waiting for big box 3 of the drugs this Wed.  It'll be supremely good to get through this awful feeling.  N-e-how, I really appreciate your response.  Thanks.

[can-do-man]

It means nothing about your livers condition, It's a combo of all three meds as they destroy Red blood cells. More so the Riba and Incivek. As a matter of fact to some extent anemia while treating is a good sign..... I'm cirrhotic and now that I am not treating by HGB is back to normal. Cirrhosis does not cause it. All is good.