FDA asks Amgen, Johnson & Johnson to discuss Anemia drug risks
As a medial malpractice and products liability attorney, I am pleased with the FDA’s latest action targeting major drug companies. These companies may billions off patients, and all too often, fail to adequately disclose serious risks.
In a recent agreement with government regulators, “Amgen and Johnson & Johnson will do more to publicize the safety risks of their anemia drugs for cancer patients” (AP for FindLaw, 2/16). The plan developed in concert the Food and Drug Administration targets risk management and is the latest government action aimed at the drug makers. The plan applies to Amgen's Aranesp and Epogen and Johnson & Johnson's Procrit.
As part of the deal, “Amgen and J&J will be required to register each cancer doctor who prescribes their drugs and document that they have discussed the drugs' risks before prescribing them to patients. The three medicines within the plan are huge moneymakers for the respective companies because of their success and reputation regarding reducing the need for blood transfusions, however, recent studies have indicated the drugs can also cause tumor growth.
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