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Iron and PROCRIT®: Two key approaches with distinct roles

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Iron and PROCRIT®: Two key approaches with distinct roles

Anemia due to chronic kidney disease1

PROCRIT® is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and not on dialysis, to decrease the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion.

PROCRIT® use has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being.

PROCRIT® is not indicated for use:

  • In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy
  • In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure
  • In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy in whom the anemia can be managed by transfusion
  • In patients scheduled for surgery who are willing to donate autologous blood
  • In patients undergoing cardiac or vascular surgery
  • As a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia

Role of iron

Kidney

Kidneys initiate erythropoiesis by releasing erythropoietin3,4

Bone Marrow

Erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce more RBCs3,4

Iron

IRON

Bone marrow uses available iron to produce RBCs5

Blood Cell

Adequate levels of erythropoietin and iron are required for RBC production2,3

If treating with iron, the following goals should be targeted2:

Transferrin saturation should be ≥20%2

Transferrin saturation should be ≥20%

Ferritin should be ≥100 ng/mL2*

Ferritin should be ≥100 ng/mL2

*In CKD patients not on dialysis.

Role of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs)

Kidney

Kidneys initiate erythropoiesis by releasing erythropoietin3,4

Bone Marrow

PROCRIT®

PROCRIT® stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin1

Iron

Bone marrow uses available iron to produce RBCs5

Blood Cell

Adequate levels of erythropoietin and iron are required for RBC production2,3

Iron use in conjunction with PROCRIT®

Kidney

Kidneys initiate erythropoiesis by releasing erythropoietin3,4

Bone Marrow

PROCRIT®

PROCRIT® stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin1

Iron

IRON

Bone marrow uses available iron to produce RBCs5

Blood Cell

RBCs

Adequate levels of erythropoietin and iron are required for RBC production2,3

References

  1. PROCRIT® (epoetin alfa) Prescribing Information. Janssen Products, LP.
  2. International Society of Nephrology. KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney Int Suppl. 2012;2:283-335.
  3. Fishbane S, Spinowitz B. Update on anemia in ESRD and earlier stages of CKD: core curriculum 2018. Am J Kidney Dis. 2018;71(3):423-435.
  4. Testa U. Apoptotic mechanisms in the control of erythropoiesis. Leukemia. 2004;18:1176-1199.
  5. National Institutes of Health/U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Iron deficiency anemia. http://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000584.htm. Updated April 18, 2023. Accessed September 4, 2024.
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