Ratings & Reviews

Epogen is used to treat anemia that can be caused by kidney dialysis and chemotherapy by stimulating red blood cell production.  In addition, Epogen is used to treat anemia in HIV patients and patients scheduled for major surgery to reduce the need for blood transfusions.  Epogen is manufactured by Amgen, Inc. and was approved by the FDA in 1999.

Use of Epogen may result in a number of side effects, including chest pain; nausea; shortness of breath; sudden numbness or weakness; sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech or balance; pain in legs; swelling of ankles of feet; lightheadedness; increased blood pressure; and seizure.

On March 9, 2007, the FDA issued new warnings for Epogen, stating that there is an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks and death in kidney patients when Epogen is taken at a higher than recommended dose.  The FDA also required that Amgen include a black box warning in Epogen labeling to address these risks.  In June of 2011, the FDA issued a warning that more conservative dosages should be used when Epogin is used to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease due to an increased risk of stroke, thrombosis and death.  Studies have also shown that patients who have pure red blood cell aplasia are at risk when using Epogen, as the drug can cause white blood cells to attack bone marrow.