Procrit for low hemoglobin

I was in ESRD for 10 years but was never on dialysis. At a certain point when my anemia stubbornly refused to improve, I was presribed Procrit infusions. There are oral medications that you might try if you haven't already, but the Procrit did work for me. I was initially intimidated by the idea of an infusion rather than a simple injection, it turns out to be not a big deal. The main difference is that you have to sit in a chair with a needle in your arm for 45 minutes or so, but it's no worse than having your usual blood tests (which I'm sure have already had plenty of those) except it takes a little more time. The infusion center was staffed by good natured and helpful folks who were happy to offer stuff like sandwichs and various things to drink while you are sitting there. They were happy to let anyone accompany me, but I usually just walked in by myself after the first time. It takes one dose a month for 4 months (if I remember correctly). Worked for me. You've got a few years on me, but later this year I will turn 78 so I'm catching up on you.

Thank you! It’s actually a needle /shot given every few weeks until hemoglobin level is achieved. I was worried about the side effects listed for her to see if it is worth doing. Seems safer to do blood transfusion but I don’t know. Just learning about it .

@ococean09 Procrit is a popular name for Epoetin alfa. I am given Aranesp, which is similar. This is done through my oncology center; I am also a daily dialysis patient.

Having both end-stage-renal-disease and blood cancer, it is a big balancing act! It was not my choice to get supplemental shots like this, but definitely having the treatment is beneficial to me. One of the things we can also do as a patient, is to really monitor our diet, and aim for as healthy and stable a diet as possible.

What does that mean? Good protein sources, in adequate quantities. Minimizing sodium, processed foods, calcium, potassium, phosphorous. Good hydration all the time. Consistency is the key, I find. If you don't have access to a renal dietician, please look into it. A renal dietician should look at the whole person, and help develop an eating plan, taking into account any other health concerns that may also be present. As many of us will say, we "eat for the numbers". I have lab work twice a month, once through oncology, and once through my dialysis clinic. The samples are processed through different labs, so we do take into account different machines, etc. When you have established the best values for you, in your situation, aim to keep those in line!

Any other questions?
Ginger

Thank you both for the insight into your experience. It’s appreciated.

Thank you. Stage 5 kidney disease and anemic. Am extremely worried about the side effects at her age. I wonder how they decide which shot is safest. I am making a list of questions for the doctor. We have been concentrating on hydration for sure.

I also went through a round of Aranesp injections without incident and it did help.

Here is an article from Drugs.com comparing the two:
https://www.drugs.com/compare/aranesp-vs-procrit

Good for you, making a list of questions. That is important, as we can get overwhelmed once we are in the doctor's office, and forget to mention something very important that we wanted an answer to!

If she does not have a nephrologist, make sure to enquire about getting one onto her medical team. They will take into account any other health concerns, and recommend her amount of fluid intake per day. But, also be careful, as too little hydration can lead to its own set of issues, like a Urinary Tract Infection [UTI] or abnormal blood test results.
Ginger

Thank you! She has had one for years. 48 ounces of fluid minimum at this point. Hoping to hold off getting dialysis for as long as we can. This shot would be a new addition. Just have some concerns about the safety of it . Appreciate you sharing your experience.

@ococean09 It is always a fine balancing act, when it comes to kidney disease, and diet/fluid. That has been my experience, and countless others here! What works for one person may not be right for another person.

Hydration is so important. If she has an infection or allergies, or such, she may need more fluid than normal. Some days I don't feel like drinking much in the way of fluids, other days I can't seem to get enough. FYI I am on daily dialysis.

What is her eGFR at this point? Has the doctor spoken to everyone about dialysis, and her options for that? Staying off dialysis as long as possible is a worthwhile goal. Let's not forget to think about the underlying cause of her kidney disease, which hopefully is being addressed. Diabetes and unresolved high blood pressure are the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease.
Ginger

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 CKD in 2018 with a GFR of 15 and hemoglobin of 7.5. I went on self administered weekly EPO injections for 18 months. Additionally, drank 4L water a day. Now, 5 years later, my hemoglobin is at 14.2 and GFR at 44. Only drinking 3L water a day now as 4L diluted my sodium levels too much.