Retacrit

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Retacrit is used to treat anemia and reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions. Retacrit is only used in specific populations.

Retacrit Overview

Reviewed: June 20, 2018
Updated: 

Retacrit is a prescription medication used to treat anemia and reduce red blood cell transfusions that are immunologically incompatible.

Retacrit belongs to a group of drugs called erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA), a substance that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

This medication is available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) or under the skin (subcutaneously) and comes in single-dose vials.

Common side effects include joint pain, fever, and nausea. Retacrit can also cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Retacrit affects you.

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Retacrit Drug Class

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Retacrit is part of the drug class:

Retacrit FDA Warning

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WARNING: ESAS INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE

Chronic Kidney Disease:

  • in controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL
  • no trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks
  • use the lowest RETACRIT dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions

Cancer:

  • ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers
  • to decrease these risks, as well as the risk of serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic reactions, use the lowest dose needed to avoid RBC transfusions
  • use ESAs only for anemia from myelosuppressive chemotherapy
  • ESAs are not indicated for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure
  • discontinue following the completion of a chemotherapy course

Perisurgery:

  • due to increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), DVT prophylaxis is recommended