Safety of erythropoiesis stimulating agents in patients on dialysis: current issues for nephrology nurses.
Clinical data have repeatedly shown that the erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) Epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa are safe and efficacious to treat anemia in patients on dialysis when used in accordance with the product label The safety profile of ESAs has recently been updated based on reports from clinical investigations that studied off-label uses of ESAs at doses designed to raise the Hb to above 13.0 g/dL. This article reviews the recent safety data and the current prescribing recommendations, with an emphasis on the need to follow the guidelines found in the products' package inserts to ensure the safe and efficacious use of these agents.
Carter
Barbara
B
Nephrology Medical Affairs, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.
Keen
Marcia
M
D000740:Anemia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa; D004348:Drug Labeling; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000451:nursing; D017751:Safety Management
D006397:Hematinics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa