EPO NEWS...for those who should know better

Triathlon Forum
1

The FDA has just issued an updated black box warning further lowering the hgb goals for these patients from a max of 12g/dL to 11 g/dL as follows:
Chronic Kidney Disease:
• In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL.
• No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks.

As WTC seems to continually raise the price of entry,I wonder what really is the price of a Kona slot these days? Does the downhill slide to comfort with no-holds barred cheating start with being ok with riding in a pack of 30 at IMFL, stealing AG or podium places from those who don’t? Just wondering…

2

what are you talking about?

3

what are you talking about?

he is wondering if so many people are willing to draft their way to kona, might many of them also be willing to EPO their way to kona.

don’t worry about me guys I’m not going to kona.

4

Maybe next year!

5

SImply that EPO use increases the risk for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke; there is no known hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks.

It’s my belief that there are a number of AG’s out there doing this stuff for a whole lottat reasons. Just trying to grab a few of 'em by the collar and have them look at the true cost…

6

Yep…thanks for the summation, jm
.

7

Maybe next year!

its not one of my goals. not something I dream about.

I dream about executing a great oly race and getting near 2:10 (might need epo to go sub 2:10!), and about doing Norseman, maybe.

Kona, you guys can have it =)

8

If you are at risk at 12, what about those of us with a HgB of 17+ :open_mouth:

or 21!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AzR3OsdsxJs/Tez0nbRksEI/AAAAAAAACJM/kPNP_QKEoIw/s640/An%2525C3%2525A1lisis%252520de%252520Rosa.jpg

9

If you are at risk at 12, what about those of us with a HgB of 17+ :open_mouth:

better go pro before you die bro
.

10

Aha! So, I suppose you were drafting at IMFL too…

Greg

11

I certainly agree with you that EPO abuse occurs … but your warning and studies are related to those with chronic kidney failure … typically on dialysis. I suspect there aren’t many of them competing in ironman :wink:

Dave

12

Yes! Mine was 15…
I just looked at my lab reports and I’ve been as high as 16.8. Is this dangerous?

-Robert

13

A drop from 16.8 to 15 is pretty significant, ~4-5Hct points. Mine has never changed more than .3-.5(hgb)

did you notice a lack of energy at 15?

*I am not a doctor, so I don’t know if it makes any difference

14

I’m getting old. The 16.8 was 4 years ago! :wink: The 15 was two years ago when I was sick for two weeks. I’m looking for my last one this spring… Now you have me worried, and IM Swiss is just around the corner, you bastard! :wink:

-Robert

15

But, but Dr. Ferrari told me it was as safe as orange juice.

16

were you eating a lot of blood sausage before the 16.8? :slight_smile:

17

I’m a vegetarian! How could anyone eat that stuff? Blech!!!

-Robert

18

Dang, where are you getting your iron? What were your ferritin levels?

19

That’s a huge problem for me because I also have a limited ability to absorb iron. My hematocrit has been down to 10. Of course, I could barely breath there. Now it’s up to an astonishingly high 39, last test. :wink: I take huge iron pills every day, but unlike most males I can’t kick up the iron levels. Most males should not be taking iron, I’m advised. For IM Swiss I’m taking about 54 mg of iron a day. This, and my asthma, are the two main reasons why I always finish LAST. (age might be a small factor)

-Robert

20

So your hematocrit has varied from 10-49? While I am no expert on the subject I didn’t know you could survive at a level of 10. Did you get a blood transfusion?