Amgen warns of complications linked to anti-anemia drug

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) _ Biotechnology giant Amgen is warning doctors that its anti-anemia drug Aranesp has been linked to blood clotting and death at high doses. <br/><br/>The Thousand Oaks-based

Monday, January 17th 2005, 10:31 am

By: News On 6

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) _ Biotechnology giant Amgen is warning doctors that its anti-anemia drug Aranesp has been linked to blood clotting and death at high doses.

The Thousand Oaks-based company will add warnings to the drug's instructions to reflect two clinical studies that showed risks when Aranesp and similar drugs were used to raise hemoglobin levels above recommended levels.

Aranesp is used to treat anemia in adult cancer patients as well as chronic kidney disease.

The company said it would not change its dosage recommendations.