Does Procrit always work?

[simpleman]

Week 45. The past few weeks my RBC have been bouncing around.I do 40000 twice a week and it was 9.7. Short of breath, coughing, legs really weak. I am so tired laying down is too much of an effort. I told the doc I really want to stay on full dose till the very end.

[MajNeni]

I did have my iron levels checked, and was told to take a little iron daily.  My stored iron was somewhat high, but my circulating iron was low.  I use Fergon, ferrous gluconate, because it is not so rough on my stomach.  My doctor adjusted the dose, but I think I will suggest we check the iron levels again since it's been a couple of months since last look.  
We're at the point where we have to be satisfied if we can keep me above 9.0 HGB.  For guys, 9.5 would be comparable.  (I'm around 9.2- 9.5 with Procrit 60K/wk in divided doses.)  
Nothing is forever, even tx ends!

[raheem]

Just to clarify my first post.....I started taking Procrit (Epogen) about 5 weeks ago NOT iron supplements.

[Galen]

Please make sure that you don't start taking iron without your doctor's knowledge.  It is possible to have hemolytic anemia without defficient iron levels.

[raheem]

No it does not always work if you have; an iron deficiency, underlying infectious, inflammatory or malignant processes, blood loss, underlying blood disease, folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiencies, hemolysis, aluminum intoxification, osteitis fibrosa cystica, or pure red cell aplasia.  From what I read you should have your iron status evaluated.  Apparently, many folks on Procrit require iron supplements. I just started taking it about 5 weeks ago and my HCT went from 27 to 31 in two weeks. Frankly, I did not have my iron levels checked and probably won't unless it seems to not be working anymore.