Aranesp, also known as darbepoetin alfa, is manufactured by Amgen Inc. In 2001, the FDA approved Aranesp to treat anemia in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment and kidney failure patients on dialysis. Aranesp is extensively used in the United States; however, Aranesp is linked to severe and sometimes fatal side effects including blood clots, heart attacks, vascular thrombosis and convulsions.The FDA required Amgen to revise Aranesp’s label to warn about these serious side effects.
Injured victims have filed lawsuits alleging that Amgen manufactured an unsafe drug. These lawsuits assert that Aranesp use may accelerate cancer progressions and shorten survival rates in some cancer patients. Aranesp lawsuits highlight that the FDA’s advisory panel voted 9 to 5, to recommend against Aranesp use by patients with breast cancer or head and neck cancer. Lawsuits also note that another study revealed that Aranesp use by kidney failure patients may cause cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke. Aranesp lawsuits allege that Amgen should be liable for manufacturing and marketing an unsafe drug.
Aranesp lawsuits claim that Amgen allegedly engaged in illegal marketing, which placed Aranesp users at significant risk. Congressmen John Dingell and Bart Stupak (both Michigan Democrats) sent letters to Amgen stating that Aranesp’s marketing campaigns likely convinced doctors to prescribe Aranesp at unsafe doses. Lawsuits note that in May 2007, the New York Times reported that about 50% of kidney failure patients received Aranesp doses above the FDA approved levels.
If you or a family member have suffered injury or death from adverse reactions suffered as a result of taking Aranesp, contact the attorneys of A. Daniel Woska & Associates, P.C. at once so that we can aggressively represent your rights. Our lawyers can assist you in filing a potential lawsuit against Amgen. Recovery from a lawsuit may include awards for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and mental anguish.