Anemia Drug for Cancer Patients May Speed Tumor Growth
FDA Orders Stronger Warning for drugs Aranesp, Procrit, and Epogen
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered the strongest possible warnings on the drugs Aransep, Procrit, and Epogen, which are prescribed to cancer patients to help prevent anemia. Clinical trials of the drugs show that they may increase the risk of death when given for unapproved uses or in doses higher than recommended. A separate clinical trial, for which results are expected in May 2007, may show whether Aranesp and similar drugs speed the growth of cancer in patients at the currently-recommended dosage.
The drugs at issue are sometimes given to cancer patients to reduce the risk of anemia. They are designed to boost levels of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in red blood cells. The drugs are also sometimes prescribed to patients with chronic kidney failure and who are scheduled for major surgery. The FDA recommends that patients discuss any questions about the drugs with their health care providers.
For more information, go to www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/RHE2007.htm
