I can't help much either. I asked about 'rescue meds' such as neupogen & procrit.
I was told that they aren't given for HVC patients; that neupogen, neupogen is given to terminally ill patients with infections, but generally doesn't assist as it doesn't stay in the blood long enough for the infection to clear and something was mumbled about sx's of procrit. I'm not sure you would get either even by offering to pay. I tried that with getting a private PCR; even the PCR was Government subsidised and subject to the private specialists discerning decision (ie he needs good reason). Private and public seem to run hand in hand here apart from being able to 'buy' treatment privately.
I think it's dose reductions only, but let me now whether you get anywhere by searching further. Good luck.
Just call it EPO they know what that is.
But dont be surprised if you dont get it.
Australian not Kiwi
CS
Just checked it out on Pharmac's website:
http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/2009/02/01/Schedule.pdf
go to page 43.
Only available with specialist authority and cost seems to range from $50 - $400 per shot depending on strength.
Also, very specific mention that it will only be approved in renal failure patients with Hb less than 10.
I believe in the fight for health rights and better medication for all so maybe you could mount a campaign to get it approved for use in anemic HCV patients also...
Also referred to as epoetin alfa and another similar is darbepoetin alfa).
You could always head to the local gym and sus out the body builders for some EPO. Just joking, maybe! Same deal here in Australia, it is not used very often as it is not subsidised or FDA approved for HCV use. But many of the larger centres are starting to use, based on the happenings in the US and Europe. Not sure of the work around for subsidisation but it is occuring. Most people here have to get a specialist to perscribe and purchase privately at about $800 for 10 shots. Emi
Btw, it is not tx protocol in NZ to treat with that rescue drug, they dose reduce instead. Also, your Hb has to drop below 10 before dose reduction is considered and usually not on the basis of one blood result. I would therefore imagine the doc isn't going to prescribe it if you are still in the 10s but there is no harm in finding out...
It is available but it is not funded by Pharmac. I also asked about this. You would have to get a doctor to prescribe it and pay full price for it. I don't what that price is but you can go to www.pharmac.govt.nz and search for it. The site should give you a list price. Or talk to the doc or a pharmacist...
Deb nailed the medical name but the 'common name' equivalent of Procrit in NZ is Eprex, I believe.
try using the names epotien, or epogen, epotien is the actual medical name, Good luck