Hepatitis C Support Group

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.

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deleted_user 04/10/2008

I've been put on neupogen due to a low WBC count, RBC are on the low side of normal levels.I'm take 1200 mg of ribavirin. So my question if you take ribavirin to suppress your immune system thereby lowering your WBC counts and if your WBC drop too low why would they not lower the dose of ribavirin?? I know I should ask my doctor but I'm in the process of switching Doc's because I have NO confidence in the one I currently have. Thanx

deleted_user 04/10/2008

You know I have no advice brother because I am learning from you but I feel ya and I am here for you...Pam

deleted_user 04/10/2008

Hi, Im on Neupogen aswell, just to clear things up a bit, The Interferon causes your white blood counts to drop, they prescribe Neupogen to bring the counts back up so your at less risk for infection. Reducing the dose of Interferon reduces your chance of clearing the virus. Ribavirin causes the Red blood counts to drop, which causes you to become Anemic, then they would probaly prescribe Procrit to boost them back up. Hope this helps.

deleted_user 04/10/2008

I'm going through the same thing you are, but of the blood count- I've been given 5 pints of blood already. They have not put me on any thing else, her info helps me also.. It will all work out...

JustBlue 04/10/2008

I was pretty fortunate while on tx as my WBC and RBC never went so low that I needed to take any rescue drugs.
Even if I had, I would have fought like crazy to NOT have any part of tx lowered.
As has been said, less tx will mean worse odds of clearing and staying clear.
Let's hope the rescue drugs are helpful to your numbers and how you are feeling.
Be sure to take extra precautions against infection. some people don't even go out if their numbers go too low.

skeeter337 04/10/2008

MelC23's explanation makes sense. Why don't you check in w/DrOrrange, too? Hope your sides decrease.

deleted_user 04/11/2008

Great Post Dave...again I'm still shocked you are having such blood problems at start of tx...MelC gave great info I wanted to know also...

I'm glad you are changing docs-so important to have one you trust...I use info from here to help arm me w/?'s for doc which has helped alot.

My doc thought I had either low WBC or thyroid problems due to exhaustion but tests were normal - still can't believe starting mo 6 and blood always ok (blessed-so respect you guys that have to go this other horrible step)...

praying for ya dave that you get balanced soon....

xoxo

Mckenzie 04/11/2008

Oh wow, Blue took the words right out of my mouth! lol

I was sick like hell during the whole year long treatment, and they would have had to kill me first, I didn't want to put down my riba or interferon, I wanted soo much to kill this damn virus, that I suffered right thru the end, but with lots of amunition, 1200mgs of riba a day, and not once did I jump a dose.

IN the end it all paid off, the beast is gone, and has been gone for over 4 years now, who knows if I would have been on a lower dosage, I was type 1a.

Treatment is no bed of Roses, but doable.

Commitment and Perserance will get you thru it.

deleted_user 04/14/2008

Dave when I was on tx, within 14 weeks I had 6 units of blood given to me and they had lowered my dose of interferon needless to say I could'nt do tx but not cause I did'nt try but honestly it almost killed me, I was horrible sick!!! Good Luck on continuing tx !!! Hugs & Prayers, BlueEyed

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