The FDA approved Aranesp to treat anemia in kidney failure patients on dialysis and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Aranesp is widely used in the United States, however, Aranesp is linked to severe and sometimes fatal side effects including:

Aranesp Side Effects: Blood Clots

Blood clots are a severe side effect of Aranesp. Block clots naturally form to plug injured blood vessels. Typically, blood clots are beneficial because they prevent excessive blood loss. But if blood clots form in the arteries or veins they can obstruct normal blood flow and cause serious and fatal results.

Related Topics

On February 27, 2008, the American Medical Association Journal published a study on erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA), including Aranesp, and their side effects. The study concluded that ESA users have a 57% increased risk of developing severe blood clots, a side effect linked to Aranesp use.

Aranesp Side Effects: Heart Attacks

In November 2006, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study that kidney failure patients who take Aranesp have an increased risk of suffering a heart attack. Heart attacks occur when blood clots form in the heart muscles and block the blood flow to the heart. The blockage prevents the heart from pumping blood and may lead to heart failure or death.   

Aranesp Side Effects: Vascular Thrombosis

Aranesp side effects include vascular thrombosis. In clinical trials, vascular thrombosis occurred in kidney failure patients using Aranesp at an annual rate of .22 times per year.  Vascular Thrombosis occurs when clots form in blood vessels. An estimated 5.5 million Americans suffer from vascular thrombosis.

Aranesp Side Effects: Convulsions;

Convulsions are a serious Aranesp side effect. Convulsions are a medical condition in which a person’s whole body uncontrollably shakes. During convulsions, the person’s muscles quickly and repeatedly contract and relax. Convulsions are typically harmless and last between 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Side effects associated with convulsions may include:

  • Muscle spasms
  • Blacking out
  • Confusion
  • Unusual eye movement
  • Teeth clenching

In Aranesp clinical trials, 873 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment were tested with Aranesp. The trial concluded that 0.6% of tested patients suffered convulsions as a side effect from Aranesp use.

Injured by Aranesp Side Effects?

If you would like more information about Aranesp side effects, or if you or a loved one has been injured by Aranesp side effects, please contact us today. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.