What are Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs)?
ESAs are man-made forms of the protein human erythropoietin. ESAs are given to patients with low red blood counts due to kidney failure, or due to side effects from other drugs (chemotherapy or zidovudine), or given to patients scheduled for certain types of elective surgery. ESAs work by stimulating the bone marrow to make more red blood cells so that there is a lower chance that the patient will need red blood cell transfusions. 3. What are these important risks of using ESAs and how can they be managed? Using ESAs can lead to serious side effects which may result in death. Some of these side effects are more likely to happen if the patient has cancer or chronic kidney failure. In patients with all types of cancer for which ESA use is FDA-approved: • The tumor may grow faster and the patient may die sooner when ESA treatment is used. • The healthcare provider should prescribe the lowest dose of the ESA that is needed to avoid red blood cell transfusions. • ESAs work by stimulating th
Related Questions
- Does Medicare cover Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs), Epoetin alfa (EPO) or Darbepoetin alfa (DPA), for patients who were anemic prior to starting chemotherapy?
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