Are PROCRIT (Epoetin alfa) and Aranesp(R) (Darbepoietin Alpha) Safe for Cancer Patients?
PROCRIT and Aranesp are drugs in the category known as ESAs, or Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents. Both products are manufactured versions of a natural human protein, a growth factor called Erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. ESAs have been on the market for many years, and have primarily been administered to patients undergoing kidney dialysis, and to patients undergoing cancer treatment. PROCRIT is sold by the Ortho Biotech Products division of Johnson & Johnson and Aranesp is sold by Amgen. Both drugs are available by presciption only and are given by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Many years of clinical use has proven that ESAs are effective in stimulating the production of red blood cells, and they are widely accepted by many patients and oncologists as a standard part of many cancer treatment regimens. Unfortunately, over the last few years a significant body of evidence has accumulated that raises doubts about the safety of ESAs when given to cancer patients. For the rest of this article on ESA safety, read Are PROCRIT (Epoetin alfa) and Aranesp(R) (Darbepoietin Alpha) Safe for Cancer Patients?
