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 epoetin and darbepoetin |
| Epogen, Procrit, Aranesp |
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Pharmaceutical
company:
Amgen, Inc.
www.amgen.com |
NEW WARNING
Amgen and Ortho Biotech have issued a “Dear Healthcare Professional” letter to update information about the black box warning associated with their erythropoietin stimulating drugs, epoetin (Epogen, Procrit) and darbepoetin (Aranesp). New studies have reported an increase in mortality and tumor progression when these drugs are used to treat patients with breast cancer, non–small-cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoid cancer, and cervical cancer when dosed to target a hemoglobin level equal to or greater than 12 g/dL. The new black box warning information includes additional cancers that have been studied and explains the effects that have been reported. They again stress the importance of targeting a hemoglobin level below 12 g/dL when treating these patients. Prescribers are encouraged to review the full prescribing information.
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