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What Are The Side Effects Of Procrit And Aranesp Shots?

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Posted on Mon, 18 Apr 2016
Question: My oncologist and kidney specialist recommend one of these two injections, procrit and aramesp/ Cardiac rarrest was mentioned and I refuse to take it. But the kidney doctor said I must take it. I'n getting close to kidney failure and will start dialisis soon. What is your experience with the side effects of these two injections?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
hypertension is the most important one

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

arterial hypertension is one of the most common side effects. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension should be cautious. Although there are relatively common side effects like hypertension, nausea, fever, thrombosis it is prescribed when there are medical indications like chronic kidney disease with anemia. The hematocrit should not exceed 33% during treatment.

Since you've mentioned its heart side effects, let me comment on that too. Patients taking these drugs may have more myocardial infarctions than other individuals do. Please note though that severe anemia may also cause myocardial ischemia (and perhaps infarction) in patients with coronary artery disease, so correcting the anemia is protective.

Most patients take such drugs and benefit from them. As with every drug, there are risks. Your doctors are the most appropriate persons to decide about the need for treatment.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Procrit And Aranesp Shots?

Brief Answer: hypertension is the most important one Detailed Answer: Hello, arterial hypertension is one of the most common side effects. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension should be cautious. Although there are relatively common side effects like hypertension, nausea, fever, thrombosis it is prescribed when there are medical indications like chronic kidney disease with anemia. The hematocrit should not exceed 33% during treatment. Since you've mentioned its heart side effects, let me comment on that too. Patients taking these drugs may have more myocardial infarctions than other individuals do. Please note though that severe anemia may also cause myocardial ischemia (and perhaps infarction) in patients with coronary artery disease, so correcting the anemia is protective. Most patients take such drugs and benefit from them. As with every drug, there are risks. Your doctors are the most appropriate persons to decide about the need for treatment. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!