Procrit & Epogen

Procrit, Epogen and Aransep are chemically engineered versions of erythropoietin, a natural protein which increases red blood cells in the body. Members of a class of drugs known as erthyproiesis stimulating agents, or ESA’s, these drugs have recently been reported to increase risks of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure in patients received dialysis, and have been shown to increase risks of blood clots in patients undergoing major surgery. These drugs also are associated with increased tumor growth in a number of cancer patients.

Procrit and Epogen are prescribed to increase the body’s red blood cells and are linked to heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) and Epogen (epoetin alfa) are manufactured and distributed by AMGen, headquartered in California with corporate offices throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. Procrit (epoetin alfa) is also manufactured by AMGen, and distributed by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., headquartered in New Jersey, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

On November 16, 2006, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory concerning the risks of these drugs. A second FDA Advisory was issued on March 9, 2007, and updated on March 14, 2007, warning about additional serious side effects associated with these agents.

Pursuant to FDA mandates, the manufacturer has now added a black bow warning to its ESA products. This new warning—the strongest of its kind required by the FDA—advises physician to carefully monitor patients receiving the drugs for hemoglobin—or red blood—levels and advises patients and doctors alike to carefully consider the risks against ESA transfusion.

The Ashkin Law firm and its partners, including nationally renowned Jan Schlictmann and the Civil Action Center, are representing people around the country who have been injured or have died as a result of receiving these drugs. If you or a family member have suffered injuries or death from blood clots, heart attacks or other serious and life threatening side effects while receiving these drugs, it is imperative that you contact an attorney immediately to protect your legal rights.

For more information, please see http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/HCP/RHE_HCP.pdf.

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