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Last updated September 27, 2007

ARANESP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Aranesp?

Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is a drug used to treat certain types of anemia. It is given in the form of a shot or by IV. Aranesp is in the class of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).

What are ESAs?

"ESA" stands for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent. ESAs are a category of drugs which increase the number of red blood cells in the body. This job is usually done by a natural protein called erythropoietin. But in some people, due to illness, the natural protein is lacking. ESAs are genetically engineered versions of this protein. They help the body make more red blood cells so the person doesn't become anemic or suffer from other problems. The most common ESAs sold in the U.S. are Procrit (epoetin alfa), Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa), and Epogen (epoetin alfa). Procrit and Epogen are the same drug marketed under different brand names. Aranesp is a newer, longer-acting version.

Is Aranesp safe?

Recent studies have shown that Aranesp can cause life-threatening injuries when used at certain doses and with certain types of patients. Aranesp can make patients sicker rather than help them. Many patients have died, suffered heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, blood clots, and increased tumor growth from using Aranesp and the other ESAs. In many cases, the benefits of Aranesp are greatly outweighed by the serious risks involved.

You have the right to be fully informed about these risks. If you have any questions or concerns about Aranesp safety, talk to your doctor.

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Has Aranesp been recalled?

No, Aranesp has not been recalled.

The FDA notified the public about the risk of life-threatening injuries and ordered the drug manufacturer to notify physicians and add a black box warning to the label. This occurred in March of 2007. Aranesp is still being produced and sold as before, just with the new prominent warning added to label.

Why are people suing?

The public recently became aware that Aranesp can cause life-threatening injuries. Many people have died and others have suffered serious side effects. The drug manufacturer knew about many of these risks and concealed them from the public. They also unlawfully encouraged patients and doctors to use Aranesp for non FDA-approved uses, which increased the patients' risks for life-threatening injuries. See Who's to Blame? for more information about the drug company's wrongful conduct.

What should I do if I have taken Aranesp?

If you or someone you know has suffered from increased tumor growth, blood clot, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, pulmonary embolism, or earlier than expected death after taking Aranesp, you should contact our offices for a free case review by one of our pharmaceutical attorneys.

If you have any health concerns or questions about Aranesp, you should contact your healthcare provider.

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Do I have an Aranesp case?

If you have taken Aranesp and suffered from serious injury or illness as a consequence, then you may have a valid claim against the pharmaceutical company.

You should have your case evaluated by an attorney with experience in the field of pharmaceutical litigation. The Law Offices of Howard L. Nations is a national pharmaceutical litigation firm with the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle your case.

Contact our firm for a free case evaluation with one of our pharmaceutical attorneys.

What are my legal rights?

If you have been injured from using Aranesp, you may have the right to be compensated for your losses. To receive compensation, you would need to file a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company. Our law firm is actively prosecuting Aranesp cases. We represent people who have been injured by Aranesp and the other ESAs Procrit and Epogen.

We are a national pharmaceutical litigation firm with experience in this highly specialized area of law. If you feel that you or someone you know may be entitled to compensation for ESA side effects, complete our online submission form and one of our pharmaceutical attorneys will evaluate your case for free.

For more information, see Your Legal Rights.

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