Retacrit + Venofer for B-thalassemia

Welcome to Connect, @mikeneverwired. Looking through discussions in the forum I found a few members who have one of the subtypes of Thalassemia such as Alpha or Beta but no references to surgery or taking Retacrit and Venofer to raise their RBC.

Since Venofer (infusion) is a form of iron, (which aids in the transport of oxygen in the blood) this may or may not be a relevant discussion for you.
Will an iron infusion help with Thalassemia Anemia?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thalasemia/
Your doctor would like to raise your red blood count before surgery. According to Drugs.com, Retacrit is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. It’s also used to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions in adults having certain types of surgery. It’s also used for people with certain forms of blood cancer to increase their red blood counts. So in theory this should help increase your hemoglobin to acceptable levels for your upcoming surgery. I’ve not had this medication myself, but I have received injections with a treatment to increase my white blood count, which was very effective. I’d expect the Retacrit would work similarly for you.

I know from my experience leukemia and a bone marrow transplant, that all meds have a risk vs reward factor. The warnings labels with some of our treatments can really elevate the stress level! However, I’ve also found that these meds can be life savers and the rewards out weighed the slight risk of side effects.

If you opt not to take these infusions, what are your options for surgery? Would you require blood transfusions?

I wanted to follow-up to say that the Retacrit therapies (I had 4 shots: 1 weekly for the 4 weeks prior to my sternotomy) worked great to improve my hemoglobin levels prior to surgery. I did not take any of the Venofer infusions. Of course, my hemoglobin levels dropped back to my 'normal' levels in the 10-11 range following surgery.

I am recovering well from the surgery, walking and biking and now doing weights to improve my upper body strength. The only issue is an acute pericarditis issue that is being treated with cochicine.

Hi Mike, Thank you for the update! Phew, huh?! I know you were so concerned about your rather rare pre-existing condition and hoping for input. This was an unusual situation and not a lot of other members with a similar experience.
But your doctor came through with the right decision of the Retacrit infusions and you were able to go ahead with the successful surgery!
I’m happy to hear the surgery went well and you’re doing a great job in recovery. Hopefully the pericarditis gets under control soon…but it sure doesn’t seem to be holding back your recovery! Keep up the good work! Do you take any other medications for the B-thalassemia minor?

Hi Lori,

Yes, I'm back to biking, hiking, mowing and doing fun summer stuff. My next step is to tackle the high country here in Colorado... maybe some 11k' peaks...

No, I don't (and haven't ever) take anything for the B-thalassemia minor. I am on post surgery meds, but hoping to wean off them all except maybe for a baby aspirin in due time...

...Mike