Procrit

[Jean]

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.

[MaryD]

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.

[Riki]

I never used procrit.. isn't it similar to epo?

[Whamo]

It takes awhile to kick in, yes, but it works for me. 

[Jean]

Whamo and Riki, how long is awhile? Oh, wait, I know, different for everyone, huh? Phooey!!!

[Riki]

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

[Jean]

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.