What drugs are erythropoiesis-stimulating agents?
The four currently available erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), the main drugs for correcting anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), are epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, darbepoetin alfa, and continuous erythropoietin receptor activator.
Is Aranesp better than EPOGEN?
There are no clinically significant differences in the safety and efficacy of epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp), the two drugs most commonly used to treat anemia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, according to a new report by the Agency for Healthcare …
What is the difference between EPOGEN and Aranesp?
Epoetin alfa (Retacrit, Procrit, Epogen) is a glycoprotein that stimulates red blood cell production; whereas, darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp) stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin.
Can you get EPO?
The gold-dust vial of intravenous EPO used by some top athletes is a prescription drug that is illegal to own without medical justification, illegal to sell and very illegal to administer to others. EPO Boost, however, is completely legit.
When are erythropoiesis-stimulating agents used?
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) are medications which stimulate the bone marrow to make red blood cells. They are used to treat anemia due to end stage kidney disease, chemotherapy, major surgery, or certain treatments in HIV/AIDS. In these situations they decrease the need for blood transfusions.
Is erythropoietin the same as Epogen?
EPOGEN® is a prescription medicine that acts like the hormone erythropoietin. It helps the body create more red blood cells, which raises the hemoglobin (Hb) level.
Is Aranesp and Procrit the same?
The differences between the two drugs are not limited to molecular structure: While Procrit is measured in units per kilogram of the patient’s weight, Aranesp is measured in micrograms per kg. There is currently no formula for direct comparison of dosages measured in units to those measured by weight.
Is darbepoetin alfa an ESA?
Epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa are Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs), approved for the treatment of anemia (low red blood cells) resulting from chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, certain treatments for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and also to reduce the number of blood transfusions during and after …
What is darbepoetin alfa injection used for?
Once a vial or prefilled syringe has been taken out of its carton, keep it covered to protect it from room light until the dose is given. Store darbepoetin alfa injection in the refrigerator, but do not freeze it. Discard any medication that has been frozen.
Why is EPO banned?
The drug erythropoietin, often called EPO, is banned from sports because it is believed to enhance an athlete’s performance and give people who use it an unfair advantage over unenhanced competitors. EPO thickens a person’s blood, which can lead to an increased risk of clots.