TX and Platelet Deficiency

[ADKmtnMan]

Doctor this week tells me that my platelet count is dropping precipitously and may require that I cut back on dosages of interferon or go off treatment completely.  Anyone know of anything that can help build your platelet counts?  Dr. said its the one SX for which there is no treatment.

Any advice anyone?

Thanks

Pat

[chcnme]

Hi Pat.  Sorry he has said there is no treatment.  Have you asked him about a referral to a hematologist (specialists who might treat you for low counts while on Hep C treatment). Mine crashed like that the first time on treatment (2003).  My docs now (new ones) have said Neupogen (which is sometimes used when the neutrophils get too low) sometimes help low platelets, too.  Neumega is another one I've heard about for low platelets, but neither of my docs has said they will use it if my platelets too low.  If you can't get your current doc to help you with the low platelets (or another doc to help), and if you have to reduce, I have seen many who had no boosters to help, who were reduced for a while, and who SVR'd.  It's more desirable to stay at full dose, but it sounds like your doc isn't ready to do that, and platelets can sometimes crash fast, leaving you little time to find another doc to help.  

Best of luck!  Let us know how it's going.

[wyntre9]

Don't know, but I hope you find an answer and don't have to stop tx now.

[orphanedhawk]

I'm having the same problem. There are a few posts below with the same theme. Personally, I'm looking for a second opinion.
   Good luck.