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Procrit

Procrit, generically known as epoetin alfa, is manufactured by Amgen Inc. Procritand marketed by Ortho Biotech, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary. The FDA approved Procrit in 1999 to treat specific forms of anemia, a condition resulting in a low red blood cell count. Procrit belongs to a drug class called erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs), which also includes Aranesp and Epogen. Procrit is a popular drug. In 2006, Procrit sales reached about $5 billion, representing about a third of Amgen’s total sales.

Procrit Approved Uses      

The FDA approved Procrit to treat anemia in:

Doctors prescribe Procrit for many off label uses including:

  • Treating patients with kidney failure not undergoing dialysis
  • Treating cancer patients not receiving chemotherapy
  • Administrating doses that result in higher hemoglobin levels

What is Anemia?

Anemia occurs when a person has too few red blood cells or the red blood cells do not contain enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein, circulates oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia patients’ blood cannot carry enough oxygen, depriving various body parts of vital oxygen. Anemia can cause serious and even fatal damage to the heart and other body organs.

Anemia can be caused by: blood loss, low red blood cell levels, or high rates of red blood cell destruction. Anemia is common in patients with kidney failure or cancer because these diseases reduce the body’s ability to produce red blood cells.

Anemia’s most common symptom is fatigue. Other Anemia symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Pale skin
  • Coldness in hands and feet
  • Chest pain

How Does Procrit treat Anemia?

Procrit, which belongs to the drug class called erythropoiesis stimulating agents, produces a manufactured version of erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a human protein produced in the kidneys that regulates red blood cell production. When Procrit is injected, the erythropoietin stimulates and increases red blood cell production.

Procrit Side Effects

Procrit side effects may include:

Information on Procrit

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Procrit Quick Facts

Procrit Quick Reference Guide
Other Names:

epoetin alfa

Date Approved:
1999

Manufacturer:
Amgen Inc.

Marketer:
Johnson & Johnson

Status:
Black Box Warning

Approved Uses:
Anemia

Serious Side Effects:
Blood Clots
Heart Attacks
Stroke
Death

Common Misspellings:
Procret
Procrot