Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents February 2007

Audience: Oncologists, nephrologists, other healthcare professionals

[UPDATE 03/09/2007] FDA notified healthcare professionals of new safety information for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa), Epogen (epoetin alfa), and Procrit (epoetin alfa). Four new studies in patients with cancer found a higher chance of serious and life-threatening side effects or death with the use of ESAs. These research studies were evaluating an unapproved dosing regimen, a patient population for which ESAs are not approved, or a new unapproved ESA. FDA believes these new concerns apply to all ESAs and is re-evaluating how to safely use this product class. FDA and Amgen, the manufacturer of Aranesp, Epogen and Procrit, have changed the full prescribing information for these drugs to include a new boxed warning, updated warnings, and a change to the dosage and administration sections for all ESAs.

[Posted 02/16/2007] FDA notified healthcare professionals of the results from a large clinical trial evaluating use of an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) to treat anemia in cancer patients not receiving chemotherapy. In this study, patients received either Aranesp, an ESA, according to the approved dosing regimen or placebo. Patients treated with Aranesp had a higher death rate and no reduction in the need for transfusions compared to those treated with placebo. The findings in the Aranesp study may apply to other ESAs. Additionally, the findings show that treating anemic cancer patients not currently on chemotherapy with an ESA may offer no benefit and may cause serious harm.

[March 09, 2007 - Public Health Advisory - FDA]
[March 09, 2007 - News Release - FDA]
[March 09, 2007 - Questions and Answers - FDA]
[February 16, 2007 - Drug Information Page - FDA]
[March 2007 - Label for Epogen/Procrit - Amgen]
[March 2007 - Label for Aranesp - Amgen]

Previous MedWatch Alerts:

[January 27, 2007]
[November 17, 2006]