Blood Booster Warning

You've probably seen the ads for 'erythropoiesis-stimulating' agents .. drugs like PROCRIT, EPOGEN and ARANESP. The ads target cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy and promises them increased energy or an easing of fatigue. A warning from the FDA not only disputes that, it warns about the use of these drugs.

The FDA says aggressive use of these drugs can actually cause 'serious and life threatening side effects'. Moreover, the FDA says there has never been any evidence support claims these drugs can increase energy or reduce fatigue in cancer patients.

With all this in mind, the FDA has issued a black box warning about the use of these drugs. The big issue - using these drugs to raise red blood cell levels HIGHER than the targets on the drug label.

If you're using these drugs, make sure you undergo regular checks of your red blood cell level and cwyd ( check with your doctor).