Hi,
I am new to this community. My 95 yo Grandmother was diagnosed with ITP 2 months ago. when a CBC was done during a ER visit for leg pain her platlet count was 2,000. After TX with packed platelets there was no change. Steroids and iv immunoglobulins were tried with no results also. She feel while in the hospital, and her health was quickly getting worse.We made the decision to take her home,per her request.
After a few weeks at home ,with the help of a physical therapist, we had her walking again, her mental status was improving. So we decided to check the platlets and try to seek other options of tx.At this time the platelets were 1,000. At the suggestion of a hematoligist we decided to try a new medication NPlate. She just had her 3rd shot on wednesday . her platelet count was at 18,000 just before the 3rd tx was given. Things are looking better.
The problem with this medication came to my attn when i recieved the first bill from the infusion center. The medication costs $5,439 per injection. as medicare only pays 80%. The bills are starting to add up quickly. But I would sell my soul to make sure she gets the tx she needs. But if anyone out there knows of any place to get help with this please let me know. We have applied for medicaid. But havent had any reply from them yet. Any assistance anyone knows of would be appreciated.
Hi,
Aside from corticosteroids, other treatment option for Immune Thrombocytopenia are splenectomy, danazol, vinca alkaloids, azathioprine , colchicine , and immunoglobulin but have significant adverse effects. This is not a new treatment, however, i came across this journal: http://www.pdsa.org/itp-journal-stories/vitcart.htIm
Discuss this with your doctor and it is recommended to have regular follo-up appointments for monitoring of his platelet count. Take care and regards.