procrit

[hepgone]

Suffering from shortness of breath. Many of you recommended that I have my blood count tested. And of all you are right my blood count was down to 9.4, so now the doctor recommended procrit.
Does this drug help or cause more side effects.  It seems my body can only take so much and I am pushing every day forward.  Please help me understand whats next.  And thank you to all who  responded to my question without your imput, I wouldn't have the knowledge to question my doctor.

[nygirl7]

Procrit actually costs about $6,000 for one box.  So...you can tell that it works, LOL.

I couldn't have continued treatment without it - I was on it (Epogen saMe stuff) from week 3 - to 72.  At different times on different amounts.  You sometimes do need to play with the dosage (once a week was too low - twice a week my hemo went to high, we figured about every five days worked for me) to see what works.  Even with it we never got me higher than about 10.5 - but your body does acclimate to the low oxygen levels in your blood somewhat so it's not quite that desperate as you feel right now.

Please be careful for the next few weeks - I lost six full points in just over  a week and I kept fainting and just falling out all over the place.  Be careful on stairs and driving etc. until you are stronger.

[dogsledder]

I started Procrit after week 14, now at wk 40 (of 48). 40,000 units per week. Didn't notice any serious sides except the runs after the first 2 or 3 shots. Then it stopped. Procrit will help with your energy level, not the craziness...that's the Interferon and Riba. While my hgb has been between 10-11 my energy levels are no way where they used to be. I still get tired easily and have limited motivation. Some of the lack of motivation is from depression (Intereferon). Never had that before tx.

[pigeonca]

I couldn't have continued tx and remained upright without Procrit.  Simple as that.  As far as I could tell, the only side effect I got from Procrit was a few bouts of nausea the first week I took the drug.  After that, it made me feel much better as my hgb levels went up.

[tahoeunicorn]

right now you are where i am. after week 2 blood work my RBC took a good hit. My dr. is prescribing 40,000 units per week. right now trying to get help to make co-pay of $223. I am HOPING that the procrit will  help cause I am going crazier than normal.

[GrandmaA]

I took Procrit and it helps the hemoglobin. It takes a couple weeks to work. Insurance won't cover it unless you are low. It is expensive. I didn't notice any negative side effects from it. It helped me a lot. I was walking very slowly until I took it.