RIBA Reduction 1200 to 800

[ClearJake]

My GI stopped my Ribarvarin for two weeks due to 8.7 Hgb.  I was on 1200 mg daily, 600 morning and 600 night.  It is back up to 10.7 now.  Platelets are 91.  Getting pickish back in fingers, eyelids and gums where they were pale and white due to lack of RBC.  He wants me to restart RIBA taking 800mg daily, 400 mg twice a day.  I would like to know if anyone has dropped from 1200 to 800 and improved from an anemia standpoint?.  I experienced excessive fatigue, tiredness, out of breath, cold, freezing, excessive sleep.  Just plain worn out. All I could do to get to the bathroom or refrigerator.  I feel much better now.  Just want to know if I can expect to stay this way.  BTW, in my 17th week of triple therapy with Incivek.  Finished the Incivek portion ot tx 4 weeks ago.  Now Pegaus 180 weekly and the Riba reduction.  Was non-detectible at 2 weeks and 14 weeks.  Continued the Pegasus taking two weekly injections while off the RIBA.  BTW, I am not interested in blood transfusions and Procrit at this time.  Maybe later depending on how the reduction works out.  Just want to know if those of you who dropped from 1200 to 800 maintained a healthy Hgb level and was free of the dreaded anemic symptoms I discussed.  Thanks.

[brianmo]

A month ago they dropped my Riba from 1000 to 800, hgb was 9.1 and I was feeling really bad. Within a few days I could tell a difference, and still feel better. Its gone up to only 9.4 but I will take it. I get blood work done every 6 days due to low WBC and everything else!  Hang in there!!

[stormy456]

My husband's hgb was at 11.3 when his doctor reduced his riba to 800 on week 5 or 6 of tx.  Because he was UND at 5 days and 3 weeks, he felt that it would not affect his chances of SVR.  Hgb has improved, and he as avoided anemia entirely.  Doc says he will almost certainly keep his dosage at 800 for remainder of tx (11 weeks left)  Good luck to you.

[ClearJake]

What did the Ins cut you off from?  Procrit?  How much RIBA are you taking each day?  How long did it take you to get up to 11.4 after the reduction?  Im going to try to stop at 24 weeks but my doc wants me to go the full 48 I think.  If thats what I gotta do, I will give it my best shot.  I took one shot in 2004 and like 6 RIBA pills in a two or three day period.  I was sick as a dog and said the heck with this.  Because of that they consider me a prior treater which calls for 48 weeks.  I consider it nothing and think 24 weeks, lol.  Decisions, decisions?  Good luck to ya.  

[crossroadsec]

Reduction worked and I got up to 11.4 so ins cut me off 3 weeks ago. I'll wait til I get back below 8 and see what dr says. Gotta finish out the 48 weeks! Transfusion, reduction, procrit. Whatever it takes.
Stayed UND Through 34 weeks! It works! Good luck. It's a rollercoaster. Hang on! How long you treating for? Karen :)

[skiyaltr]

at week 4 drop riba to 600 for anemia;  was und with incivek; hgb 15.3 to 13.9 to 11.4; last ;lab was 10.9 so slowed down the riba reduced.  Next lab next monday and see where it goes,  Good luck,

[crigger]

My hbg was 8.3 and the doctor drop my ribo. From 1200 to 800 and started procrit I will not get a blood test till fri. Hopefully it helps!  I am on wk 18.  So sick of this!!!