Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells. Hemoglobin allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of the body.

Measuring hemoglobin levels helps to estimate the number of red blood cells in the body. A low hemoglobin level is referred to as "anemia." If hemoglobin levels are very low, patients may feel tired easily.

• The hemoglobin level is related to the hematocrit (see next screen: "Hematocrit").
• Low hemoglobin levels can develop during treatment with interferon and ribavirin.
• Often, lowering the dosage of ribavirin will help bring the hemoglobin level back up.
• Often, a medication called Epogen can be used by patients receiving treatment to bring the hemoglobin level back up.