Anemia from taking Ribavirin

[bebj]

I have been on Ribavirin and Pegasys since 4-3-09.  This past week I was diagnosed with Anemia and given a Procrit shot, which helped.  Does anybody have suggestions as to prevent this from happening again during my treatment?

[toohip]

I take procrit.  They wanted me to reduce my ribavarin dose but that would hurt my chance for clearing so we decided on procrit instead.  The anemia is pretty bad but you get used to it sort of.

[RCM829]

I recently started Procrit as well.
My doctor, who has been terrific,  prescribed it when my HGB fell below 10.7.
Typically, while on Procrit they will try to keep your HGB levels between 10 and 12  and they will monitor this with weekly or bi-weekly CBC tests.
For most, it carries no side effects and it will make you feel a whole lot better.

[mj6000]

I take procrit once weekly.

[alagirl]

many of us take procrit throughout tx in a scheduled manner.

[Bill1954]

Unfortunately, ribavirin can cause hemolytic anemia; his is due to the premature destruction of red blood cells. The choices are either dose reduction of ribavirin, or intervention with Procrit (or other Epo formulas). The latter is much preferable; as dose reduction can reduce the odds for long term viral clearance--
Bill