Epogen

Anemia is a fairly common yet debilitating condition that results when bone marrow cannot produce enough red blood cells to distribute oxygen through the body. Common causes of anemia include chemotherapy and renal failure. Many chemotherapy drugs alter the way the bone marrow produces blood cells, and renal failure disrupts the natural way the body regulates blood pressure and waste removal.

Modern science has developed a number of ways to combat this potentially life-threatening condition. Marketed by Johnson & Johnson, Epogen is used to treat anemia, specifically that resulting from chronic renal failure. Sometimes, it's also prescribed to treat anemia that results from cancer chemotherapy. Its basic mechanism enables the blood oxygen levels to rise, thereby counteracting the anemia that renal or cancer patients may face.

Epogen is also occasionally used for such as "off label" (and illegal) purposes as a means to increase athletes' performances, especially in endurance sports such as cycling and marathon running. This came to light in a huge way when the media was alerted to the fact that the "Festina" team doped during the 1998 Tour de France. (A teammate, Willy Voet, was caught with a supply of doping agents, including Epogen.)

Two of the most dangerous side effects from Epogen use include pure red blood cell aplasia and dangerous blood clots. Pure red blood cell aplasia, or PRCA, is a potentially fatal condition that prevents the stem cells in the bone marrow from forming fully grown blood cells. Without red blood cells, the body cannot distribute the oxygen to its tissues which can result in organ failure and even death.

Epogen has also been allegedly linked to dangerous blood clots. Because Epogen alters the way the body processes blood, people who take this drug can sometimes develop clots in their blood vessels. If these clots travel to the brain, heart, or lungs they can cause heart attacks, strokes, or pulmonary embolysims.

If you or someone you love developed serious health problems as a consequence of Epogen use, you need to consult our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your pain and suffering, but if you hesitate the statute of limitations in your state may expire before you have a chance to get the justice you deserve. Let's send a message together. Contact us today.

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