Rescue drug vs dosage reduction

Dr. Dieterich,

I am on a drug trial where rescue drugs are permitted.  My hgb has dropped to 9.6.  I have been given a dosage reduction of my ribavirin instead of raising my hgb with the appropriate rescue drug (I'm in Canada so I'm thinking it's Eprex here).  I have also been narrowly escaping an interferon reduction on a weekly basis due to trial requirements.

I am at Week 17 and have was UND by week 6.

Of course, I want no dosage reductions.

My question is ... both within a trial context and in a regular treatment context, when rescue drugs are permitted / available, when would a dosage reduction be preferable over a rescue drug and vice versa?

Thank you for your time!

Trish

[Douglas Dieterich, MD]

In a word, never! The cumulative amount of ribavirin and interferon you take over the course of treatment is directly proportional to the likelihood of a cure! More drugs are better so rescue away! Good luck! DTD

[Trish77]

Furthermore, I'm tolerating that hgb level well - still working fulltime and relatively busy though not physically busy.  

Would I be likely to have any intervention if I were not on a trial at that hgb level?  Thank you, Dr. Dieterich.

Trish

[Trish77]

Dr. D., thank you very much for your answer, it clears up a great deal.  What you're doing here is very valuable for all of us.  Thank you.

Trish