New Studies Underscore Dangers of Anemia Drugs

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January 3rd, 2008

"Anemia drugs linked to speeding up cancer and death"

Anemia drugs known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) may speed up cancer growth and lead to earlier death in some patients, the Food and Drug Administration announced today citing two new studies.

November Warning
The class of drugs includes Procrit, Aranesp, and Epogen, all of which received a heightened “black box” warning in November. The new labeling highlighted the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, rapid tumor growth, and shortened survival to patients with cancer or chronic kidney failure.

Six studies preceded the November warning, and now there are two additional studies underscoring those risks. All of the studies confirm faster growth of tumors or earlier death in patients taking an ESA who have non-small cell lung, breast, lymphoid, head and neck, or cervical cancer.

Drug Claims Not Proven
The drugs were approved to treat anemia induced by chemotherapy and in patients with kidney failure or HIV. Proponents of the drugs say they improve quality of life and lessen fatigue. However, the revised labeling notes that no evidence supports such claims.

More than one million Americans use Procrit, Aranesp, and Epogen every year. If you or a loved one has taken one of these drugs and suffered a serious side effect, contact us today to arrange a complimentary legal consultation with an experienced attorney.