Model predictions capture experimental observations of the accumulation of ribavirin in erythrocytes and the ensuing Hb decline in HCV patients following the onset of combination therapy, estimate the enhanced turnover rate of erythrocytes during therapy and the threshold ribavirin exposure beyond which anemia is intolerable, present guidelines for the optimal usage of growth hormone supplements, and provide a framework, in conjunction with models of viral kinetics, for rational optimization of combination therapy. The gene discussed is GH1; the disease is anemia.