Aa
Platlets /advice/stopping treatments
It appears that the peg is reducing my platlets (40,000 now ) and I'm in danger of being removed from the treatment on the 26 th of Jan if they drop to 30. Blood counts white and red required neu and procrit on the 12. Peg reduced to 135 to save the platelets. One more shot till the draw. Should I go for the full dose or await my fate ? Was UND on the 4th week geno 2b.. What can do the get thru the next 14 weeks? This has been a prob since I started on Nov 21. If removed next week how long does must I wait to get into a trail? It's a big deal to me since I'm 3/ 3.5 and I've been infected since Nam in the 60's . Any advice.. I could use it . Thanks to all of you for helping.
I agree with the others. I have had the very same problem, with my dr. wanting to stop treatment, and then I would be back up. thank God. But whatever you do, try not to skip any shots. Reduce if you have to. I would probably cut this weeks dose in half, and then see where it goes.
Jean
Jean
Here is my 2 cents...
It is completely normal for treatment to reduce your Platelets. What was your platelet count before starting treatment? If it was below norm, then you doctor should have discussed this with you as it is a common reason for stopping treatment. This is especially the case for cirrhotics, stage 4 fibrosis, as we have reduced platelets due to an enlarged spleen, which is one of the early effects of cirrhosis. I went down to 20,000 platelets (I have cirrhosis and got the virus in 1969) before stopping treatment with no internal bleeding and I have heard of others with platelets going down to the teens. Each doc has their own platelet range that they are comfortable with, so you need to discuss this with them to find out their limit.
But all and all - you are treatable and have responded to treatment! This is excellent news. You can and will beat the virus. Do you know that by being an early responder you have a 90% chance of SVR. Despite cirrhosis and any other factors.
I reliaze today was when you would know what your doc will do..so stopping or reducing meds has already happened... In the future remember to be careful when and how you reduce dosage. You don't want the virus coming back which it will if you reduce to quickly.
I just wanted you to know that even if you don't beat the virus now, once you get a plan with your doctor to be able to complete treatment you will beat this thing. You don't need a trial for different treatment meds. The SOC treatment works for you! You have the greatest chance possible of clearing the virus as anyone does. Most of us would love to be in your position. You and your doc just have to manage your blood levels.
You can do it.
HectorSF
It is completely normal for treatment to reduce your Platelets. What was your platelet count before starting treatment? If it was below norm, then you doctor should have discussed this with you as it is a common reason for stopping treatment. This is especially the case for cirrhotics, stage 4 fibrosis, as we have reduced platelets due to an enlarged spleen, which is one of the early effects of cirrhosis. I went down to 20,000 platelets (I have cirrhosis and got the virus in 1969) before stopping treatment with no internal bleeding and I have heard of others with platelets going down to the teens. Each doc has their own platelet range that they are comfortable with, so you need to discuss this with them to find out their limit.
But all and all - you are treatable and have responded to treatment! This is excellent news. You can and will beat the virus. Do you know that by being an early responder you have a 90% chance of SVR. Despite cirrhosis and any other factors.
I reliaze today was when you would know what your doc will do..so stopping or reducing meds has already happened... In the future remember to be careful when and how you reduce dosage. You don't want the virus coming back which it will if you reduce to quickly.
I just wanted you to know that even if you don't beat the virus now, once you get a plan with your doctor to be able to complete treatment you will beat this thing. You don't need a trial for different treatment meds. The SOC treatment works for you! You have the greatest chance possible of clearing the virus as anyone does. Most of us would love to be in your position. You and your doc just have to manage your blood levels.
You can do it.
HectorSF
Various current strategies including platelet transfusion. Free registration required.
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets) in Hepatitis C: Impact on Patient Management
http://www.clinicaloptions.com/Hepatitis/Treatment%20Updates/Thrombocytopenia/Module/Thrombocytopenia%20in%20Hepatitis%20C/Pages/Page%204.aspx
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets) in Hepatitis C: Impact on Patient Management
http://www.clinicaloptions.com/Hepatitis/Treatment%20Updates/Thrombocytopenia/Module/Thrombocytopenia%20in%20Hepatitis%20C/Pages/Page%204.aspx
I would dose reduce rather than stopping.
BTW, if your platelets were low before you started the treatment, then you probably already have cirrhosis.
Best of luck, wishing you SVR.
Co
BTW, if your platelets were low before you started the treatment, then you probably already have cirrhosis.
Best of luck, wishing you SVR.
Co
Eltrombopag is now FDA approved for ITP but not for low platelets caused by HCV.
Co
Co
I dont understand, you mean to tell me that they would take you off and stop what you started because of platelets? Then why dont these doctors give you Eltrombopag to keep your platelets up? or is it because they dont want to change the way the study started? I would complain until they give it to you, cause I know it works.
Sorry to hear that. Low platelets present a problem. Eltrombopag/Promacta/Revolade has been approved by FDA for low platelets but I'm not sure if it is available to us yet. Would your doctor consider dropping the peg to 90 mcg for a couple of weeks to see if they came back up. I've even heard skipping a dose can help. All docs are different but my doc said he wouldn't be concerned until they dorpped to 20,000. Do what you think you can live with. Either way, looks like something will have to change. You really want to stay on tx as long as you can, even if it's a reduced dosage.
Good luck and I understand your concern. I've been battling low ANC and platelets for a while now and my liver damage is the same as yours. If my body will tolerate tx I have 30 more weeks to go as I am supposed to treat for 72 wks.
Trinity
Good luck and I understand your concern. I've been battling low ANC and platelets for a while now and my liver damage is the same as yours. If my body will tolerate tx I have 30 more weeks to go as I am supposed to treat for 72 wks.
Trinity
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