Epogen is used to treat patients with anemia. Anemia occurs when red blood cells are depleted, and patients experience a loss of energy because the blood does not carry enough oxygen throughout the body. Epogen has a number of harmful side effects, including an increase in blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, thrombotic events and pure red cell aplasia.
Epogen manufacturers also alerted the FDA to 40,000 vials that were sold as counterfeit Epogen medication in 2002. The counterfeit vials reportedly contained medication levels that were 20 times lower than what was prescribed.
Epogen is a protein created from human plasma that produces red blood cells. These blood cells help the patient’s blood to carry oxygen through the body, reducing the anemia. Anemia makes patients feel weak, dizzy, irritable and have a rapid heartbeat. Epogen is especially designed for patients who are anemic because of kidney disease and chemotherapy.
Healthy kidneys produce hormones that stimulate bone marrow to make more red blood cells. Damaged kidneys slow the production of this hormone, resulting in fewer red blood cells. Chemotherapy targets cancerous cells, but unfortunately eliminates healthy red blood cells as well. Epogen can help replace some of those lost healthy cells.
- increased blood pressure, or hypertension, which can lead to an increased risk of coronary disease, heart attack and stroke
- thrombotic events like blood clots
- pure red cell aplasia is severe anemia that can be made worse by taking Epogen
- vomiting or diarrhea
- allergic reactions
- change in your heartbeat
- chest pains or breathing irregularities
- swelling or inflammation
- vision problems
- seizures
- severe headache
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately, and then call a personal injury attorney.
Tags: anemia, Epogen, heart attack, red blood cell, stroke