This is an ongoing investigation which has already led to a pending class action lawsuit against drug manufacturer Amgen, Inc.
The class action complaint alleges Amgen acted unlawfully in the off-label and deceptive marketing of its drug products known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) drugs, under brand names Epogen and Aranesp. According to the class action complaint Epogen and Aranesp are approved for use with kidney and cancer patients to boost hemoglobin levels and prevent patients from needing a blood transfusion . The lawsuit was filed on behalf of patients who have paid for these drugs where Amgen allegedly marketed the products outside of the bounds of their FDA approvals.
According to the complaint as a result of these practices consumers paid for ESAs when they would not have otherwise done so. If you or anyone you know has been taking Epogen or Aranesp please click here to see if you qualify to join the class.
Do not change medications without first consulting your doctor.