told to stop interferon

[jt57]

Had cbc today.  wbc 1.8
                        anc  .8
                        hgb  9.2
                        plt    40

My GP called my hep dr. and he said to stop the interferon and have cbc next week.  In my opinion, I think we should be discussing reduction in dosage, not stopping.  But I have had this sort of issue with my dr. in the past....

What do you guys think?

Jean

[fretboard]

Personally I just started tx and I don't know what I would do in your situation.  With that said I don't see a problem lowering your Peg dosage for 1 shot to see if you can get your platelets to go back up.  The reason I say this is b/c if you continue taking your regular shots and your platelets go down anymore, you could create more trouble than you need.  I also think that you may have to drop the Peg even more than half to have any affect with your platelets, or miss one shot even.  A couple of things are that Peg has the minimum life of a week, or 5 to 7 days.  Right now your system is probably over compensated with the Peg that you've already done weekly.  We accept and metabolize the Peg and Riba differently.  I really think you have to do something before this becomes dangerous and they take you completely off the Peg for awhile.  Alot will depend on the way you feel physically and not on how you feel about staying on course.  Sure, nobody wants to deviate from the program, however sometimes it becomes necessary because we don't know what health effects can arise if we don't.    Also, I'm sure if you google 'hcv treatment platelets' you will get some hits, maybe even get one that talks about platelets below 50.    good luck to you with your decision

[can-do-man]

lapis, May i ask what study you are in?

Jt, best to you in talking with your hepo. With that kind of drop and that soon i think you need some professional answers...... Wishing you the best.

cando

[scratchinghead]

I would agree with jimjim:
be proactive

[lapis]

I am just starting Wk 7 tx, so far my only problems with bloodwork have been anemia.  Who knows what 20 wks of tx will bring, lol?  But it's not funny, I know, it is concerning to have these lab changes, and esp when they affect not only how you feel but also your tx regimen.  I had a Riba reduction for 3 weeks, and that really concerned me as to how my virus would respond, though it did bring my Hgb back up above 10.  Since I'm in a study, I won't know any VL's till about the 6-month mark.

Anyway, just wanted to check in.  We're in the same state, I've spent a lot of time in your city in the past.  Best of luck with your Monday lab results.

[jt57]

do others not have this platelet drop like I have?  

[jt57]

Thanks guys.  You all make some really valid points.  My goal is to stay on treatment.  Even if I have to reduce for a bit.  

and jasper, I became und between wks 8 and 11.  not 4.  at week 4 I was at 3k viral load.  wk 8, 180   then und....want to stay that way!
stage 1  no cirhosis.  good health otherwise.  

thanks!!

JT