Amgen, Inc. has announced that their anemia drugs Aranesp and Epogen, as well as Johnson & Johnson’s Procrit, have had their black box warnings expanded by the FDA. The warning approved by the FDA in November, 2007, state that using these anemia drugs may increase the risks of death and tumor growth in patients who have been taking them. While earlier warnings were placed on the labels alerting of similar risks with some types of cancer, the new warning includes risks to those who have early stages of breast or cervical cancer.
Anemia is a blood disorder which occurs when red blood cell count is lower than average, or when red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin. High doses were used to counter the effects of anemia, which in turn raised the danger of using these drugs. Amgen’s products treat anemia in those who are going through chemotherapy, as well as patients with kidney failure. The problems occurred when doctors treated patients with higher levels of the drugs, which increased the risks of developing tumors.
The drugs in question were first examined last March by the FDA, who updated the drugs’ labels twice last year. After the FDA warning in March, Amgen’s share prices fell 27 percent; sales of Aranesp, Epogen, and Procrit also fell ten percent. Later that year, Amgen released new data on the risks in early stage breast cancer and cervical cancer patients.
The expanded warning may have some impact on Medicare because anemia drugs account for its largest drug expenditure.
If you, or a loved one, have been taking Aranesp, Epogen, or Procrit, and have been injured by its use, please contact an experienced injury lawyer in your area to find out your legal options.
