Does Ribavirin cause anemia when used with Sovaldi??

[nan535]

My husband just got approved for Sovaldi + Ribavirin for 24 weeks. We are very excited but he needs to get his hemoglobin up before starting his treatment. We already have the  meds in the house but can not start using them. He had a shot of procrit yesterday - labwork in a week to see if his hemoglobin is up from 8.9 (normal range starts at 13.9). His red blood cell count is 2.94 (normal range starts at  4.5).

I am confused. I had been told that when my husband was on triple treatment and had to stop because of severe anemia that ribavirin was the drug that caused the anemia but I just read in some old literature its the interferon shots that cause the anemia.  So which is it? Or, is it both?

Is anyone who is using Ribavirin now with Sovaldi experiencing anemia?  Just want to know what to look out for.

Thanks
Nan

[Ekkiemom]

Hi..I'm new to this forum.........I am so happy to hear ur good news Nan that is wonderful I'm sure it's been along time coming! I am in my third wk of Sovaldi/Ribivirin with 21 to go. I have been told by my gastro that by wk 3 all of his patients have been UNDETECTABLE... I don't know what there GT is however. I am GT1a the hardest to treat of the gt1's. I went into this tx positive and knew it would be nothing like the dreaded interferon tx I was on. I only lasted 5 wks due to multiple hospital stays and transfusions due to anemia and low lytes.  Sovaldi has been great so far and I'm hoping the absence of most of the side effects will stay just as they are.  I do however have some more apparent deep hip bone pain as the weeks progress. I have had my HCV for approx 30 yrs and I am a 59 yo female. I would like to update my progress and if any of you have any advice foe me I would be grateful as I'm finding I don't really care about eating these days. I know that it's not good with the Rib and low anemia count and all.  I go for my first set of labs on the 20th of Aug and I'm hoping for good news...I'm keeping the faith! Thank you for letting me post....take care everyone

[Livelife777]

Oh Nan.     Bravo (big clap).      Such wonderful news.   It's about time you and your husband get hopefully permanent break from this horrible beast. Really makes sense how the kidney is processing the med even tho it is a reduced rate.    Haven't really wanted to scream it from the rooftop because so many are still suffering thru treatment and waiting for such, but finished meds Mon. and can't believe how much better I feel.    Sovaldi is truly a wonder drug and if it sticks so many lives will be changed.   Always have trusted my intuition as it has always been my guide and def feel we will see the end of this virus.    I hope you will take care of yourself as it sounds as tho you and your husband have a bright future to look forward to.          ..Kim

[Groupergetter]

Nan, know that both you and your husband, remain in my prayers.

[Faithdove]

Oh Nan!!!! This is great news, undetectable!!!! Continuing to send prayers and positive healing energy. Please take care of the caretaker. :)

[JimmyMose]

That is very encouraging news.  Hope he gets out of the hospital soon, hgb continues to rise and undetected becomes permanent.  

[heart_in_the_keyes]

I am so glad to hear the good news about your husband and hope the other issues will be resolved soon.  You are a blessing to him and many others. Your positive attitude and information and love for your husband has been inspiring to many.  Give him a collective hug from all of us.