[paulaespada]

Originally Posted by Neil Cuadra

Paula,

There was a discussion about whether Neulasta can cause MDS in this forum thread and it would be nice to know if doctors have done more research or revised their thinking about it since then.

Every drug has potential side effects, so doctors and patients have to weigh the tradeoffs. The most common side effects of Neulasta are bone pain and muscle pain. Some patients experience headaches. Those are unpleasant side effects but probably won't stop somebody from taking Neulasta if they need it. There are also rarer side effects, such as making the disease worse.

It's unfortunate that patients have to choose between two bad choices. If a patient is dangerously low on neutrophils, uncommon side effects of Neulasta shouldn't be their main concern, because they are at much greater risk if they don't get their white count up.

I don't mean to dismiss Jorge's concern, but he or you should talk to the doctor frankly about how long the advantages of taking Neulasta will outweigh the disadvantages. If he doesn't have to take Neulasta for long, there's less risk, so getting out of danger is the goal.

Thank you very much for your answer.
I will read more about Neulasta.
And me and Jorge must find courage to discuss treatment. Doctor is not easy in speaking, in spite he had improved it after Jorge relapse.