How to Manage Anemia From HCV Treatment

Major finding: In a study of 500 patients with chronic hepatitis C patients who developed anemia while on triple therapy, the sustained virologic response rates were similar among those who were managed with a reduced ribavirin dose (71.5%) and those who were treated with erythropoietin (70.9%).

Data source: The randomized open-label multicenter study compared the effects of reducing the ribavirin dose to treatment with erythropoietin on the sustained viral response rates in 500 patients with chronic hepatitis C who became anemic during treatment with peginterferon, ribavirin, and boceprevir.

Disclosures: The study was funded by Schering-Plough, which is now part of Merck. The investigator disclosures included having served as consultants and speakers, and/or having received grants from multiple pharmaceutical companies; the investigators include several current and former employees of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (a subsidiary of Merck & Co.).