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Suggest Treatment For Myelodysplastic Syndromes In An Elderly Person

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Posted on Tue, 17 Jan 2017
Twitter Tue, 17 Jan 2017 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 13 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on
Question : I have been diagnosed with Myelodesplastic Syndrome. I am a female , 71 years of age. It only involves my red blood cells .
My Doctor recommended I take Aranesp shots,once every three weeks. In the past 9 weeks I have only had 1 shot as they will not give it if RBC are anything over 10. Mine were 10.1. How can the medicine help if they do not give me the shot?
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Answered by Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you do not need them at present

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs XXXXXXX
Thanks for choosing HCM.
I understand your concern here. Aranesp shots (Darbopoiten) are only used to prevent the fall of Hb and RBC count in MDS (Myelo Dysplastic Syndrome) and NOT to treat the disease. For someone in their 70's with Hb 10, it is a very good count, which do not require the shots. You only need them when red cell count falls to much lower levels.
Hence, I want to reassure you that, as you do not need them at present, don't bother about them. It has got nothing to do with treating the disease, it is just a symptomatic treatment.
Hope i made it clear.
Please feel free to ask any further queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Dr. Vaddadi Suresh

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 963 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Myelodysplastic Syndromes In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: you do not need them at present Detailed Answer: Hi Mrs XXXXXXX Thanks for choosing HCM. I understand your concern here. Aranesp shots (Darbopoiten) are only used to prevent the fall of Hb and RBC count in MDS (Myelo Dysplastic Syndrome) and NOT to treat the disease. For someone in their 70's with Hb 10, it is a very good count, which do not require the shots. You only need them when red cell count falls to much lower levels. Hence, I want to reassure you that, as you do not need them at present, don't bother about them. It has got nothing to do with treating the disease, it is just a symptomatic treatment. Hope i made it clear. Please feel free to ask any further queries.