Aranesp vs Procrit

[cheri]

Hi all~

After about a year on Aranesp, with no appreciable results, we have switched to Procrit...anyone have any idea how long these agents take to work? Anyone noticed a difference between the two, success rates, etc.

Thanks!

[Birgitta-A]

Hi Cheri,
The Nordic MDS group recommends
"Start with Aranesp or a similar drug alone for 8 weeks. In case of no response, addition of Neupogen for another 8 weeks. If no response after 16 weeks, treatment is terminated."

Hope you feel OK!
Kind regards
Birgitta-A

[cheri]

Hi Birgitta--you are always "Johnny on the spot!"

Sheesh! What a racket! I have been on Aranesp and Neupogen for over a year! They said Aranesp took a long time to work, but after 16 weeks they should have terminated it?

Well, I'll give the Procrit a few months (getting it weekly now) and if there is not improvement, I'll discontinue it. Everything had side effects....Why take something that has no benefits? The only benefit seems to be to someones' bottom line! $$$

[Birgitta-A]

Hi Cheri,
It is really very true that all drugs have side effects. FDA is warning against Aranesp and Procrit (they can cause cancer) but not in MDS patients. This can happen when the doctors try to increase HGB to normal values in for example patients with breast cancer.
Kind regards
Birgitta-A