Peginesatide

Patients who are on dialysis and who have anemia as a result of kidney failure might be prescribed peginesatide. This medication is injected once a month in order to stimulate the production of red blood cells needed to cure kidney-related anemia so that patients do not need blood transfusions.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication should not be used to treat anemia resulting from chemotherapy or from other causes. The medication does not help these patients resolve anemia problems; it has only been shown to be helpful for patients who are suffering from anemia as a result of chronic kidney disease.

Patients who are on this medication have a greater risk of stroke or heart attack than the general population. Patients who have heart disease may want to avoid this medication if possible, and all patients should receive the lowest dose possible to help raise red blood cell counts while minimizing the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease.