WBC Count reduced to 2200

Hi everyone i m GT 1 just completed 4 weeks and tomorrow will have my 5th shot.
Today i had my blood work for PCR and Hb,TLC & pallete.But unfortunately my WBC was
at 2200 and i needed to take an injection today for increasing my WBC. So my querry is
IS it to fast for my WBC to drop. I am a bit worried kindly clear my doubts.

[pcds]

My WBC went to 1.7 a critical value.  This happened less then 4 weeks.  I was started on neupogin 2x week and after 4 shots, my WBC was over 22.  Now I'm on it 1x week, it keeps me out of the critical area.  My WBC drops fast also, the shot is not like your real bone marrow working.  I find this stuff kicks my *** on top of the hep c medications.  Not fun.  But I don't want an infection.  I work in a hospital.

[frijole]

My WBC was 2.7K/uL (2700) at week 2 and 1.7 (1700) by week 12.  I held off on taking Neupogen until week 15 when my ANC was .4 (400).  ANC is the number to look at more closely than the White Blood Count.  I think you can go through treatment quite successfully with a WBC below 2200.  I think the problem is that most doctors are more familiar with the white blood drops on cancer patients where the fear of infection is much greater.  Most hepatologists who work a lot with hep C patients do not get concerned until ANC is consitently under .5 (500).  Mind you, much has to do with your general disposition.  If you are prone to infection, you might need Neupogen more frequently than if you are not prone to infection.

frijole

[hero68]

Thanks a lot for updating my knowledge. I started my tx on 31.05.10 with VL 2.3 million IU and AST & ALT at 150 & 200. But after 3rd week I took LFT & found both at 36 & 48.Very soon I will get my 4th week PCR. Any suggestions on this.......

[pcds]

My AST and ALT dropped, means your liver is less inflamed.  Not sure it means anything regarding the all important undect level.  I didn't expect to clear after 4 wks with genotype 1, but it does happen.  Let us know.

[IMstacie]

my wbc dropped fast also.  I was almost taken off tx but managed to stick it out.  It was like a roller coaster ride.

[hero68]

But you did not mentioned how your roller coaster rode. Kindly do share with us and the remedy and positioned of your tx.

[hcvJames]

Same problem here. WBC 1.5 several times. Worse ANC went to 320. The first VL test after tx started was at week 10. I was undetected. But was taken off treatment for the WBC/ANC thing. My roller coaster has been 10 shots, two weeks off, 4 shots, two weeks off, 3 shots, two weeks off. Now it's been .. ha, lost track! 3 or 4 weeks? I swear. They gave me Neupogen, a six pack of vials, no instructions except what was with the packing. Because of delays in obtaining could only take 4 shots during that particular 2 weeks off. WBC went to 1.5 to 23, or twice normal. Next time WBC went low, they took me off again! I wanted to take a Neup shot, and continue tx but noooo... In that off period took two Neup shots, WBC went to 14. Back on. Finally, somehow, someway, someone reacted to what I'd been saying since after the first break. If while on treatment the WBC/ANC go down and tx stops for them to recover, they'll just go back down once tx starts again ... unless ... you have a supply of Neup at the ready. They gave me a four pack of Neup, taking them one a week, hopefully that will stabilize WBC/ANC.
Another VL test was done, 2 off wks and 4 tx wks, after the first one (six wks altogether.) Still und at that point. I don't like stopping and starting. Get a regimen going on this Neup and see what happens. Throw in frustration dealing with the hospital, etc., and that's how this roller coaster has rode. If you asking about feeling the side effects, so far, not so bad. Everyone's mileage varies though.
Last thing. Ask questions. This is a good group, lots of info. They supplied me with the knowledge to mount an argument for tx at a very early and critical time. All glory to them.

[pcds]

Hi James,
I had a similiar experience with neupogen, my WBC went to 23  with 2 shots a week.  Now I'm on 1 a week.  The WBC drops quickly after injection gives boost.  I take mine on Wednesday, and the tuesday before I was 2.3,  good enough since the next day I take the neupogin and likely shoot upwards anyway.  I'm anxiously awaiting my 12 week viral load test.
Judy

[IMstacie]

I cleared, geno 1a & 2b.  I was taking procrit and only made it to ~45 weeks before doctor took me off.  Blood levels dropped too low and couldn't get them elevated.  But, it worked!  I have been off tx for about 8 mos now.  Best of luck to you!

[hero68]

Thanks Yuk your words really encouraged me. I am trying my best to fight the odds. And congrats on your SVR.