Anemia Drugs to Be Taken With Caution

A trial of Aranesp an anemia drug from Amgen Inc disclosed a rise in number of deaths especially in advanced cancer patients. This has reiterated the fact that such drugs should be prescribed in restricted conditions only.

The mode of action of Aranesp is based on the natural protein called erythropoietin (EPO) which augments the production of red blood corpuscles in the body. This drug is the major product of Amgen Inc and has also been permitted to treat in conditions of anemia caused by chemotherapy and renal failure patients.

According to Roger Perlmutter, Amgen Inc.’s Executive Vice President for Research and Development, this drug if used within the specified indications is bound to be safe.

Generally EPO drugs are meant for people undertaking chemotherapy or radiation. But as per Amgen, this drug has also been prescribed for patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.

Hence clear information on the conditions in which these EPO drugs to be used would surely benefit the patient and the health care community.

Source-Medindia
JYT