Procrit for Sovaldi + Riba

[Verdugo]

Do you know of anyone on a S+R combo who has needed Procrit?

My hemoglobin dropped from 12.8 to 10.3 after the first two weeks, and down to 10.0 on week 4.  My doctor is concerned and we discussed Procrit, as he does not believe lowering Riba is a good option.  I did more blood work today to see if I'm down again so am waiting to hear.

My understanding was that after the first two weeks, the drop slows and levels.  I'd really rather not have to take yet another drug especially when I'm feeling okay.

Also, why does a VL take so long?  It's been over a freaking week!

[heart_in_the_keyes]

just remember the riba is killing some good blood cells right along with the bad....if you are nauseous or dizzy a simple adjustment in medication by doctor may make the biggest difference.  

like I said above first month was great and then second month was awful /  I could even walk straight...felt like the bad with in the wizard of oz when they throw water on her and she just melts to the ground......I was doing that too.  

just the simple adjustment he made....which I was worried about because I'd be ill to get rid of this HCV...but hepatologist said it was definitely the riba that was causing the issue...adjustment has made all the difference.../  might be because I am a small person and even in the classes for sovaldi they said adjustments might need to be made.  

Good luck to everyone.........

[nursehepc]

Thanks Kim. My sodium isn't low so Water is okay. I am just a little dry. I was feeling so good the second week...then bam. I will be fine. I simply expected a 2 point drop in my Hgb the first 2 weeks, not a 4 point drop.  Keeping my eye on the potential prize (grin). It is very encouraging to hear folks like you talking about when you felt bad, now that your are finished and are no longer feeling bad. Thank-you for that! Its just a moment in time is my mantra today. joanne

[Livelife777]

Hi Jo.    My hmg dropped dramaticly aroun week 7-8.   That's why that last month was kinda a drag.   Stayed in the high to low 10s.  They said at week 9-10 it would rise slightly which it did.  Unfortunately had that spacey, dizzy, and tachycardia sensations.   Have wondered if Gatorade would help with those Creatine #s.   Am aware of sodium issue, but unaware of the extent with sports drinks.  If OK may help with dehydration.      Kim

[nursehepc]

I ended my note prematurely.

I never....thought drinking water would be an issue, but after 100 ml, its tough to drink more. My BUN/Creat ratio was 27, which means I could stand to drink more water than the 90 + ml/day I am drinking. Be well...Jo

[nursehepc]

Goodness Kim, 110 lbs and 1200 mg. Yikes! Not sure whether you change from 14.3 to 10.4 happened gradually or was like me (first 2 weeks - then stayed)? I feel okay that they dropped me down to 800 mg. It simply makes sense, wasn't much of at drop, and follows protocols I have read. I, for the first time, do not feel AWESOME..at all {grin}....but I am not complaining.

heart_in_keyes, my anemic friend, I am sorry...  I have headache/spaciness...but I put in some work time... Nausea and dizziness is the worst... It goes without saying, move slowly and drink... I never t

[heart_in_the_keyes]

went to doc...he lowered riba from 1200 mg to 1000 a day...I dropped below 10 a few weeks ago but am coming back up...he would rather not add another drug to the regimen of drugs I am already taking... I am on the s/r combo for 24 weeks...am pre-transplant...since lowering have lost dizziness and nausea.