neulasta and WBC

[wiesia]

Could you tell me at what level of WBC your doctors started

using neulasta ? My father's dropped today to 0.95 and I am

worried that the doctors are just trying to save money by not giving him neulasta.

Thanks,

wiesia

[RandyW]

http://www.neulasta.com/patient/about/a ... tecell.jsp

This link should give you the answers you are looking for. Too much info there for Copy and paste. Click on link to be redirected to Neulasta site for White Cell count info. Should help out!!!

Prayers!!!

[marym]

Seems very low. But there are some restrictions on how/when nuelasta can be given. I would not have been given chemo with white counts that low.

Please do all you can to protect him from germs.

Best wishes,

Mary

[Welthy]

Wiesia,

Geez, seems really low to me. On prior chemo regimens the Doctor would order Tony Neulasta when his counts dropped below 4 (I think). It needs to be given the day after chemo, so that could be part of the reason for your Dad's situation. In Tony's case, due to Medicare regulations, the Neulasta was given at the hospital 24 hours after his last day of treatment each cycle if necessary. While Tony was on the "doublet" chemo regimens we went twice weekly to the office for bloodwork.

Tony has started getting Neupogen shots this week for his new chemo. They are lighter versions of Neulasta and can be administered multiple times between treatments to help tweak the WBC. His WBC was only down to 6 and they started him, so I would be concerned too if this wasn't being addressed.

Call the oncologist and find out what his protocol is for WBC. And keep your Dad out of public areas, clean hands, etc. etc.

Let us know and good luck!

Welthy

[mamasbabygirl]

I hate to sound paranoid, but I guess I am. I believe you are on the right path with thinking about the expense. I think this seems too low also. If it were me, I'd be on the phone with that Doc in a heartbeat and get an explanation and an appointment scheduled.

[needhope]

My dad was put on Neulasta from the beginning, I guess as a precautionary measure. They held off on the Procrit shot because his red blood cell count was okay. I am glad. So far he hasn't had any major side effects except for some nausea and his hair thinning out.

Needhope

[RandyW]

Pre insurance cost was 4200.00 for neulasta. Co-pay was 25.00 for us.