Why would I be prescribed RETACRIT?

Chemotherapy, like most drug therapies, has side effects. One of these side effects is anemia, a condition in which your blood produces a lower-than-normal amount of red blood cells. Treatment for anemia may include the use of an ESA, such as RETACRIT.

What is an ESA?

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, or ESAs, are prescription medicines used to treat anemia. People with anemia have a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells (RBCs). ESAs work like the human protein called erythropoietin to help your body make more RBCs. ESAs are used to reduce or avoid the need for RBC transfusions.

I’ve taken an ESA in the past; is RETACRIT similar to what I’ve taken?

RETACRIT is an FDA-approved biosimilar* to Epogen^®/Procrit^® (epoetin alfa). This means there are no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, or potency (safety and effectiveness). That is, RETACRIT is expected to work in the same way.

You and your doctor may consider treatment with RETACRIT if you are new to epoetin alfa therapy, or if you are currently stable on Epogen/Procrit. RETACRIT can be prescribed by a healthcare provider in place of Epogen/Procrit.

Who should not take RETACRIT?

Do not take RETACRIT if you:

• Have cancer and have not been counseled by your healthcare provider about treatment with RETACRIT
• Have high blood pressure that is not controlled (uncontrolled hypertension)
• Have been told by your healthcare provider that you have or have ever had a type of anemia called pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that starts after treatment with RETACRIT or other erythropoietin protein medicines
• Have had a serious allergic reaction to RETACRIT or other epoetin alfa products

Do not give RETACRIT from multiple-dose vials to:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Babies