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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 is given to you through an intravenous (IV) line. Blood transfusions can treat anemia when the body can’t make enough red blood cells. Your healthcare provider will determine if you need a transfusion.
ESAs are a class of drugs that stimulate the bone marrow to make more red blood cells.
PROCRIT® is an ESA. PROCRIT® may be used in the treatment of anemia. It can reduce the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing certain types of surgery when they are not able to donate their own blood.
ESA=erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.
If you have anemia and are planning to have surgery, it is important to know your options. Some types of surgery can result in significant blood loss. So, understanding your treatment options will help you prepare for surgery and recovery.
Blood transfusion is one option. A blood transfusion is a medical procedure that can replace blood you lose during surgery.
There are two types of blood transfusions, depending on where the blood that is being transfused came from:
An allogeneic blood transfusion uses blood from a donor who has the same or a compatible blood type as you.
An autologous blood transfusion uses your own blood. Your blood is drawn before surgery and set aside in the blood bank for use during or after your surgery.
Only your healthcare provider can advise if a blood transfusion is right for you.
If you are anemic (have a low red blood cell count), you may be offered treatment with iron or PROCRIT® plus iron in the weeks before your surgery. The amount of hemoglobin in your blood may be increased enough to reduce the need for a transfusion.
PROCRIT® may be an option to reduce the chance you will need RBC transfusions if you: |
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Are scheduled for certain surgeries where a lot of blood loss is expected |
If your hemoglobin level stays too high or if your hemoglobin goes up too quickly, this may lead to serious health problems which may result in death. These serious health problems may happen if you take PROCRIT®, even if you do not have an increase in your hemoglobin level. PROCRIT® has not been proven to improve quality of life, fatigue, or well-being.
PROCRIT® should not be used: |
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In place of emergency treatment for anemia (RBC transfusions) |
PROCRIT® should not be used to reduce the chance you will need RBC transfusions if*: |
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You are scheduled for surgery on your heart or blood vessels |
You are able and willing to donate blood prior to surgery |
You have been told by your healthcare provider that you have or have ever had a type of anemia called Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) that starts after treatment with PROCRIT® or other erythropoietin protein medicines |
You have had a serious allergic reaction to PROCRIT® |
*For the complete list, see MEDICATION GUIDE.
RBC=red blood cell.
Blood clots can form in blood vessels (veins) while you are taking PROCRIT®, 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). 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.
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).