I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Jean on July 03, 2013, 06:24:46 PM

Title: Procrit
Post by: Jean on July 03, 2013, 06:24:46 PM
Wow, this stuff is not cheap. $129.00 for two shots in a month. The paperwork I got with it says it is Chemotherapy. Rather, Chemo if you have cancer and a blood building drug if you have kidney disease. That right off makes me a little uneasy. My Hemo is at 9 and I feel like I could sleep forever and one week after the first shot, well, I fell asleep at Bingo last night. So, Question # 1, is how long does it take for this RX to take effect, or noticeably take effect, # 2, is this a forever drug? #3 Is this why I have nausea every the first 5 hours or so I am up and #4, is my hair going to fall out and my skin dry up like a prune? Thanks in advance for any and all help and advice.
Title: Re: Procrit
Post by: MaryD on July 03, 2013, 07:03:25 PM
I was told that it takes a week for the new red blood cells to reach maturity - then you should feel better.  Whether you need it forever would depend on your body still being able to produce the hormone required.  I needed it every two weeks for 18months, then for some unknown reason my body hasn't needed it for well over a year.  I'm about to throw out three doses which are on the point of expiring.
Title: Re: Procrit
Post by: Riki on July 04, 2013, 09:11:31 AM
I never used procrit.. isn't it similar to epo?
Title: Re: Procrit
Post by: Whamo on July 04, 2013, 12:23:22 PM
It takes awhile to kick in, yes, but it works for me. 
Title: Re: Procrit
Post by: Jean on July 04, 2013, 04:32:08 PM
Whamo and Riki, how long is awhile???? Oh, wait, I know, different for everyone, huh? Phooey!!!
Title: Re: Procrit
Post by: Riki on July 04, 2013, 04:36:16 PM
Whamo and Riki, how long is awhile???? Oh, wait, I know, different for everyone, huh? Phooey!!!

I've no idea.. I've never been on it
Title: Re: Procrit
Post by: Jean on July 05, 2013, 12:30:37 AM
I am sorry, I did not mean to be rude to you. It has now been one full week since my first shot and I notice I am not sleeping as much as I used to but energy, no, not much at all.