Procrit black box

[desrt]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23525645/

[eureka254]

Somewhat alarming information.  Are there alternatives to Procrit for anemia?  My husband is considering taking the treatment plunge, but being he is post-hepatocellular carcinoma removal (which has very high recurrence & metastasis), I wonder, if he does suffer from anemia during tx, are there any alternatives besides Procrit?

[jdwithhcv]

In the end its just another tx choice.  Some of us can't make it without procrit.  Personally I'm more concerned with its other scary sides than this tumor thing, as I have none of cancers mentioned in the black box warning.  But its either take procrit or reduce riba or abandon tx, so I'm choosing procrit to see if I can finish tx and clear this virus once and for all.

jd

[Deb_c430]

I would totally agree any drug taken needs to weighed, they all have sides, watch the drug co commercials on tv.

Scare you to death.  

I am with Xen,  with out it I would be unable to tx,   I took my 40,000 thursday, Sunday I will take 40,000 more to try and get my HMG and RBCs up!   Then will will down to 40 on Sun, 20 on Thursday!

So far everything I have read this only has applied to Cancer patients.

It is a personal choice,  

Good Luck

Deb

[Xenigma]

I couldn't work without my Procrit.
My QOL on tx would be nil.
I take my 40,000 units tomorrow  :-)
enigma

[desrt]

Epo is a valuable tool, but just like IFN and riba, the consequences of its use need to be weighed against its benefits.

[Deb_c430]

procrit is not approved by the FDA  for HepC,   it is recognized as a rescue drug for HCV Inteferons Riba though, so many insurance  companies ok it and why Doctors still prescribe it for us.

It appears it effects Cancer victims more than us,   tumours and such.

Personally I am keeping my procrit, it is th eonly way to get through tx for me.

I also panicked the first time I read this!  Doc and drug co nurse explained it to me.

Deb