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Oral or intravenous (IV) iron may be used to control hemoglobin levels.
Vitamin B12 is given when there is a B12 deficiency, causing pernicious anemia. B12 supplements help make healthy red blood cells.
A blood transfusion is a procedure in which blood from a donor is given to you through an IV line. Your healthcare provider will determine if a blood transfusion is needed.
ESAs like PROCRIT® stimulate the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. They are used in the treatment of anemia to reduce the need for blood transfusion. Anemia can be caused by chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
ESA=erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.
For people with cancer:
Your tumor may grow faster and you may die sooner if you choose to take PROCRIT®. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about these risks.
For all people who take PROCRIT®, including people with cancer or chronic kidney disease:
Serious heart problems, such as heart attack or heart failure, and stroke. You may die sooner if you are treated with PROCRIT® to increase red blood cells (RBCs) to near the same level found in healthy people.
Blood clots. Blood clots may happen at any time while taking PROCRIT®. If you are receiving PROCRIT® for any reason and you are going to have surgery, talk to your healthcare provider about whether or not you need to take a blood thinner to lessen the chance of blood clots during or following surgery. Blood clots can form in blood vessels (veins), especially in your leg (deep venous thrombosis or DVT). Pieces of a blood clot may travel to the lungs and block the blood circulation in the lungs (pulmonary embolus).
Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms:
See serious and common side effects of PROCRIT® below for more information.
If you decide to take PROCRIT®, your healthcare provider should prescribe the smallest dose of PROCRIT® that is necessary to reduce your chance of needing RBC transfusions.
Please see the MEDICATION GUIDE to learn more.
These are not all the possible side effects of PROCRIT®. Your healthcare provider can give you a more complete list. If you are currently taking or considering taking PROCRIT®, you and your healthcare provider should evaluate all risks and benefits associated with this drug.
To learn more about these and other risks, please read the Important Safety Information and the MEDICATION GUIDE and discuss any questions you have with your healthcare provider.
Only you and your healthcare provider can decide if PROCRIT® is right for you.
PROCRIT® is available by prescription only and is administered as a shot (injection).