Aa
rescue vs dosage reduction
Just took shot 4 and reviewed my blood results for first 3 weeks. Platelets are down to 55 as I expected. I would not be surprised that they hit critical on week 4 test next Wed. First round of tx in 2003 doc prescribed procrit but this time they are talking about dosage reduction. Question.........pros and cons of each decision? Do you have enough info to comment?
Thanks for all the support, been a good week, got my mind back.
Rog
Thanks for all the support, been a good week, got my mind back.
Rog
Hector, I think you nailed it. I was confused. I did not have platelet issue before. Only anemia. Anemia numbers are starting to fluctuate as well. Will have labs posted next week.
Doctor told me nothing we can do to raise platelet but reduce peg. Make sense to me, peg works in the marrow where the red cells are made.
Doctor told me nothing we can do to raise platelet but reduce peg. Make sense to me, peg works in the marrow where the red cells are made.
Sorry Rog, I guess I misunderstood your question. *-*
Glad you are still able to work.
Good luck with your treatment!
Hector
Glad you are still able to work.
Good luck with your treatment!
Hector
Procrit was prescribed for anemia before on Peg and Reb but that was about 38 weeks into tx. I don't think I ever had a platelet issue, I need to go back an compare labs. Peg was never reduced,nor the Rebitol. I just wanted to get this question on the table and ready myself for important 4th week bloodwork. I did not have time to scan reports to journal for viewing, been busy at work. Rough working for yourself sometimes, can't stop and have to prioritize. 10 hours a day and I can't get it done but my mid is at peace so I can function. I will get labs scanned for your review and opinions first of week.
My doc (Heptologist) target is 50,000. I have watched it drop weekly and waiting. If dose reduction is of no concern than I am good. I just want to eradicate this virus with all the power I can and my feeble mind thinks more drugs, more eradication.
My doc (Heptologist) target is 50,000. I have watched it drop weekly and waiting. If dose reduction is of no concern than I am good. I just want to eradicate this virus with all the power I can and my feeble mind thinks more drugs, more eradication.
Hi there, when my platelets fell below 50 my Peg was reduced to 135.
Can-do is right in that they could come back up as your body adjusts to tx.
My best to you
Can-do is right in that they could come back up as your body adjusts to tx.
My best to you
I thought procrit was for anemia not for low platelets.
I know of nothing that will lower your platelets while doing tx.
Hector addressed the issue of platelets in this post :
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Cirrhosis-of-the-Liver/Low-Platelets/show/1752598
I know of nothing that will lower your platelets while doing tx.
Hector addressed the issue of platelets in this post :
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Cirrhosis-of-the-Liver/Low-Platelets/show/1752598
As for Procrit that would not be an option for low platelets, only for HGB levels. While platelet count of 53 is low alot of doctors will hold off on reducing the interferon as they can and will become stable, plus they tend to bounce around a bit....... Mine got as low as the mid 20's with no problem. They did come back up on their own to the 50's... Best to you.
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As can-do said 55,000 platelets is fine. It all depends on what your doctor is comfortable with as far as interferon dose reductions (how much and when) or using other more drastic means to raise platelet count.
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http://www.gene.com/gene/products/information/pegasys/pdf/pi.pdf
PEGASYS
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
PEGASYS Hematological Dose Modification Guidelines
Platelet <50,000 cells/mm3 - Reduce to 90 mcg
Platelet <25,000 cells/mm3 - Discontinue treatment
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If you have cirrhosis where treatment failure could be your last chance to clear the virus and your platelet count starts going into the lower 20,000s, a platelet transfusion can be performed or you can be given the drug Promacta (Eltrombopag ) for off label use to raise platelet count. (GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Promacta, now wants approval to use its low platelet drug Promacta to treat hepatitis C patients. GSK has filed regulatory applications in Europe and the United States to add the new indication to the drug.
I know hepatologists can do this. A gastroenterologist may not have the experience or resources to manage either treatment modality for low platelet counts.
Best-
Hector