Side effects of Neupogen (Zarxio) and Retacrit for the Red Cells

[Terry]

I have been on the Neupogen (Zarxio), for white cells, twice weekly for seven months. My hemoglobin took a downward plunge, requiring 4 blood transfusions in a matter of 3 weeks. My Oncologist started me on Retacrit once weekly. I am in my 4th week. When my hemoglobin is at 6 I get the usual symptoms of shortness of breath, high resting heart rate, fatigue etc…. . My blood work yesterday showed my hemoglobin at 9, which is at a good level for me. I received both the Zarixo and the Reticrit injections. Later on in the day, my resting heart rate was high, with shortness of breath. It has continued to stay high and the shortness of breath continues. My question is: Has anyone experienced this as a side effect of any one of these medications? Just when I think I know the trends and effects MDS has on my body, something else crops up!
I appreciate any feedback I get. So glad there is a place to go and ask questions of those that experience the ups and downs of MDS. Thank you so much!

• This topic was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by Terry.

[Robin Smith]

Hi Terry. I’ve been on weekly Procrit injections (30 units) for almost three years. Retacrit is a bio-similar of Procrit so the two medications are somewhat different, but I suspect close enough that they’d have fairly similar side effects. Just to let you know.. I’ve experienced high resting heart rate and shortness of breath off and on even when my hemoglobin is in the high 9’s. I also have degenerative disk disease so between the MDS, back problems, and the Procrit it’s been extremely challenging to sort out what is causing what! Take good care.. sending best wishes.

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