Symptom Management - Low Blood Counts

New Warning for Patients with Chemotherapy Induced Anemia

There are serious questions about the safety of Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) better know under their brand names of Aranesp, Procrit, and Epogen.

In some clinical studies, patients receiving ESAs had poorer survival and faster tumor growth than those not getting an ESA. 

To use these as safely as possible, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges patients who develop anemia while on chemotherapy to work closely with their doctors to determine the best way to manage their anemia.

FDA Warnings:

• You may have an increased chance of dying sooner or your tumor may grow faster if you take this drug.
• ESA treatment increases your chance of a blood clot.  If you are scheduled for surgery your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner to prevent blood clots.
• Blood clots can form in blood vessels (veins) in your leg (venous thrombosis).  Blood clots may move from the legs to the lungs and block the blood circulation in the lungs (pulmonary embolus).
• Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking an ESA:
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the legs with or without swelling

FDA Recommendations:

• Your doctor should use the lowest dose of ESA needed to help you avoid red blood cell transfusions.
• Once you have completed your chemotherapy course, ESA treatment should be stopped.

The complete FDA patient information is available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/RHE/default.htm