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