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Epogen Side Effects

In July 1999, the FDA approved Epogen to treat anemia in patients: Epogen

  • Undergoing dialysis for kidney problems
  • Receiving chemotherapy for cancer
  • Taking zidovudine therapy for HIV
  • Requiring major surgery

Unfortunately, Epogen use is linked to severe and fatal side effects including:

Epogen Side Effects: Blood Clots

In February 2008, the American Medical Association Journal published a study that linked Epogen use to serious side effects, including blood clots. The study’s researchers analyzed anemia patients treated with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA), including Epogen. The researchers concluded that ESA users have a 57% greater risk of developing severe blood clots, a serious side effect linked to Epogen use.

Blood clots occur when blood platelets clump and plug injured blood

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vessels to avoid blood loss. Typically, blood clots are beneficial and pose no threat. Blood clots may form, however, within arteries or veins and obstruct normal blood flow. Blood clots can lead to serious and sometimes fatal adverse cardiovascular events.

Epogen Side Effects: Heart Attacks

In November 2006, the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that heart attacks are a serious side effect of Epogen. The Journal published a study that linked Epogen use by kidney disease patients to increased heart attack risk. The study’s scientists established that anemia patients in kidney dialysis are susceptible to heart problems when aggressively treated with anemia medications, including Epogen. The study concluded that only kidney disease patients develop this Epogen side effect because they require Epogen for long periods of time.

In November 2007, the FDA warned kidney patients that using Epogen to increase hemoglobin levels above 13.5 g/dL (grams (g) per deciliter (dL)) can significantly raise the risk of severe side effects, including heart attacks. Heart attacks occur when blood clots form in heart muscles and block blood flow to the heart. The blockage prevents the heart from pumping blood and may lead to heart failure or death.  


Epogen Side Effects: Stroke 

Epogen side effects include strokes. Strokes occur when the arteries that carry oxygen to and within the brain are blocked. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die causing body parts to cease functioning. Strokes cause irreversible organ damage and may lead to death.

Injured by Epogen Side Effects?    

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



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Epogen Quick Facts

Epogen Quick Reference Guide
Other Names:

epoetin alfa

Date Approved:
July 1999

Manufacturer:
Amgen

Status:
Black box warning

Approved Uses:
Anemia

Serious Side Effects:
Blood Clots
Heart Attacks
Stroke

Common Misspellings:
Epigen
Epogin
Epigin
Epogon