Ortho Biotech Statement on U.S. Food and Drug Administration Oncologic Drugs Advisory Comm...((g/dL) the risk is unacceptably increase...),Health

Ortho Biotech will continue to evaluate and minimize risk of ESAs within the labeled treatment setting. We remain committed to continuing to educate healthcare professionals and patients regarding the appropriate use of PROCRIT.

About PROCRIT (Epoetin alfa)

PROCRIT is used for the treatment of anemia in patients with most types of cancer receiving chemotherapy, with chronic renal failure who are on dialysis and those who are not on dialysis, who are being treated with zidovudine for HIV infection, and to reduce the need for transfusion in anemic patients who are scheduled for elective noncardiac, nonvascular surgery. Depending on the country in which Epoetin alfa is marketed, these indications may differ.

Important U.S. Safety Information for PROCRIT

Boxed WARNINGS: INCREASED MORTALITY, SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR and THROMBOEMBOLIC EVENTS, and TUMOR PROGRESSION

Renal failure: Patients experienced greater risks for death and serious cardiovascular events when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target higher versus lower hemoglobin levels (13.5 vs. 11.3 g/dL; 14 vs. 10 g/dL) in two clinical studies. Individualize dosing to achieve and maintain hemoglobin levels within the range of 10 to 12 g/dL.

Cancer:

-- ESAs shortened overall survival and/or time-to-tumor progression in

clinical studies in patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and

neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers when dosed to target a hemoglobin

of greater than or equal to 12 g/dL.

-- The risks of shortened survival and tumor progression have not been

excluded when ESAs are dosed to target a hemoglobin of < 12 g/dL.

-- To minimize these risks, as well as the risk of serious cardio- and

thrombovascular events, use the lowest dose needed to avoid red blood

cell transfusions.

-- Use only for treatment of anem
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