Recombinant human erythropoietins
admin December 4th, 2007
The MHRA have made available the public assessments summarising the evidence for the safety of recombinant human erythropoietins in patients with cancer and in patients with chronic kidney disease
Recombinant human erythropoietins stimulate erythropoiesis. They are indicated for the treatment of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Some recombinant human erythropoietins are also authorised for the treatment of patients with non-myeloid cancer who develop anaemia after chemotherapy.
Overcorrection of haemoglobin concentration in patients with chronic kidney disease may increase the risk of death and serious cardiovascular events, and in patients with cancer may increase the risk of thrombosis and related complications. Recombinant human erythropoietins should not be given to patients with cancer who do not fulfil the criteria in the authorised cancer indications.