Low White Count

Currently undergoing combination therapy.  White count is 1.9.  Doctor wants me to stop for awhile.  Since this is my second time through this process, I'm reluctant to do so.  Is there some kind of drug that will help me raise my WBC so I don't have to stop treatment.

[2hep2it]

Hey Lee,

Yes, I believe there are some. I think one is called Neupogen (filgrastim). Which is for low neutrophils. There is also a pegfligastim ( a pegalated form ).

2hep2it

[Moniker]

I had low white blood counts from Pegasys. Neupogen raised my white blood cells to normal, and it worked almost instantly. I take Pegasys on Thursdays, and Neupogen on Mondays - I think it's best to inject them on separate days.
Bob

[Drarig]

Hi, Lee -- mine got low after about 4 or 5 weeks into treatment (I just started Week 13 on Friday).  My doctor immediately  put me on Nupogin once a week (it really helps).  My count goes up and down but is controlled while on this medicene.  My doctor said although it's dangerous to have low white blood count, his experience is that more people have probs with low white counts while on chemotheraphy than interferon...but you still have to be careful.  There really aren't too many side effects (some people say bone pain but I haven't experienced it)  You should really talk to your doctor about it, especially if you're treatment is working...  you don't want to stop if if you don't have to...  good luck!

[friole]

First of all, 1.9 is low but not that bad.  My WBC rarely have risen above 1.5 all during tx (currently at 46 weeks).  I do take Neupogen which is the drug you are talking about that brings up the neutrophil count which is the one that you should be more concerned with than the WBC.  Absolute neutrophils are shown as #AN or #AE or ANC or on your CBC.  The neutrophils are the infection fighting white blood cell, so the doc's get concerned when it drops.  The conditition is called Neutropenia.  

If your doc is not willing to try Neupogen, could you get a consult with another doc?  I hate to see you pulled off, especially in your second go around. See if your doctor will approve of this.  It is very quick acting as Moniker said.  If your doctor approves, and the insurance co will not, the drug company will provide to qualified individuals.

Good luck

[susan400]

I agree with the others, ask your doctor about the Neupogen.  I was just started on it.  I have had more bone pain, but you feel like **** on normal treatment anyways, so what's a little more bone pain?

Susan

[stewietoo]

This too is my second time around and I have found you must see other doctors while on tx. Gastro doesn't handle everything. My count is normally around 1.7 . Also hate to throw in another question, but does anyone have a remedy for internal itching?

[Karay]

I went through this a couple of months ago - my doctor wanted me off the meds for awhile but I felt that I had gone so far to give up so due to the wonderful advice from several people on this forum, I asked that he get a second opinion and see if I should be on Neupogen....he called back after speaking with a blood specialist (whatever that is!!) and he said they both felt that my count was dangerously low - so for the first time in my life, I disagreed with a doctor and told him to find another "specialist".....he did, this doctor told him to try it so I started on a Friday by Monday my count was TRIPLED.  My doctor had never prescribed it before but is now a true believer.  I've had to go back on it a couple of times but lately its been ok - only 9 more weeks of daily infergen to go!!

[friole]

Lee - like Kalio said, many of us go to hemotologists (blood specialists)to monitor the blood work.  I do and I feel like I am in very good hands.  I take both Procrit for the low hemoglobin and Neupogen for the low absolute neutrophils.  I have weekly CBC's to determine whether the dose needs to be adjusted.  And as Reveire says, you don't do the Neupogen and the Interferon on the same day -- they counteract each other.  My hemo says 48 hours between and some say 24 hours between.

stewieroo -- I think I know what you are talking about and if you find out, let me know.  I have a place on my stomach that itches like all get out, and it seems to be under the surface.  It was a shot site at least 4 months ago and it drives me crazy.  I put lots of Gold Bond on it and anything else, but it gives me immense pleasure to scratch.  I have made it my personal goal to NOT ITCH IT for the last 4 days hoping it will heal and only relapsed once.
frijole

[FlGuy]

You can't give the virus a foothold, a break, a breather - eradication is the answer. If low wbc/anc's are your worst problem, you are in good shape. Quick, easy, rapid response with Neup. For me, few sides (too much competition from the ifn/riba - didn't notice sides from nuep).  You already have a big investment - get your doc to protect it.  Good luck.

[Dale_Ray]

Neupogen pulled mine up quickly and I take it weekly; 24 hours after the Pegasys shot. I hope your doctor will try this drug or one like it to help you. Dale

[garde]

I'm also on treatments.  My blood count went down to 1.5.  The doctor cut my dosage back for a few weeks, now I'm on full strength again.  Last blood work showed by blood count at 2.5.   Probably lower again this week.   It's on on'going battle, I've been on the treatments for almost 6 months.  My hair is failling out like crazy.

[lionesss]

can you get the rescue drugs?

I am in australia so I dont have that option. My neutrophils went down to 1.2 and the doc said she dose reduce me if it drops below 1.0. Took some herbs and now it is 1.9 which doc is happy with (now at week 13)

Oh, i am not anaemic anymore either. Yay so have a bit more energy!

[shane12]

i have 7 weeks left and my white blood cells are at 1.7 any suggestions

[friole]

What are your absolute neutrophils?  

Your WBC is low, but you have less than 2 months to go and could probably make it without Neupogen.  Have you been getting any infection - sinus, skin infections, colds, anything like that?  That would be a sign that your neutrophils are too low and not fighting infections.

This thread is pretty old.  If you start a new post (ask a question) you will get a lot of response because this is a big issue that many of us deal with on tx.
frijole