Does Herceptin lower red blood cells?

momo · 10-05-2009, 08:24 AM

I know you gals in US get regular blood tests on Herceptin, but here in UK we don't.

Am sure I read somewhere that it affects blood counts, red and white. Anyone know?

WolverineFan · 10-05-2009, 12:02 PM

Hi Momo,

I've had trouble with my red blood count every since I started treatment (Taxotere, Herceptin and Carboplatin). I had one blood transfusion, and am holding my breath that I don't need one tomorrow as that is supposed to be my last Taxotere and Carboplatin treatment. From then on, I will be on only the Herceptin, and this very question was one I planned on asking my onc tomorrow.

In my "side effect" sheet that the onc gave me before I started treatment, for Herceptin, it lists "reduced blood counts, increasing your risk of infection". I know the white blood counts fight infection, but I am assuming this refers to the red blood counts as well since it refers to counts in plural form, but will verify tomorrow at my appt. I'll let you know what I find out.

Good luck,

Hayley

Laurel · 10-05-2009, 06:07 PM

My counts did not return to normal until after H. ended. I wasn't terribly anemic, but lower than normal levels.

momo · 10-10-2009, 02:06 AM

wolverine fan - what did your onc. say about blood counts?

I'm sure my red must be down because I can't stop yawning as if brain not getting enough oxygen. My onc. denies it affects counts. She really has trouble admitting to side affects.

Ellie F · 10-10-2009, 07:58 AM

Hi
I am also having treatment in the UK. When just on herceptin my red blood cell count did not change at all. I have recently completed 5 rounds of taxotere and herceptin and it dropped significently and I only just avoided a blood transfusion.
My onc says that my red cell count was reduced due to taxotere but it will take a bit longer to recover as I am on 3 weekly herceptin.
That being said every three weeks it has increased by several points though not back to 13.1 where I started.
By the way taxotere also reduces platelets so you bruise more easily and it takes longer to fade
Cheers
Ellie

WolverineFan · 10-10-2009, 05:45 PM

Hi Momo,

So sorry for the delayed response. Yes, it can affect red blood cell count, but if it does, it shouldn't be to the same degree as Carboplatin and Taxotere. I had my last treatement of the three this past Tuesday, and I have to come back in this coming week to get another blood transfusion (my second), because my red blood cell count has continue to tank again. She's hoping with the transfusion, I won't drop as fast or maybe not near as low with just taking the Herceptin. Let's keep in touch. I'm interested in seeing how things progress.

Take care

Jaimieh · 10-11-2009, 03:15 PM

I had to have 2 seperate infusions because my RBC where low. They are still not normal but they are close to normal so I haven't needed another infusion since the end of TC.