Anemia in Elderly Linked to Declines
Anemia in Elderly Linked to Declines
Even Mild Anemia Is a Risk Factor for Loss of Physical Function
American Geriatrics Society spokesman Charles Cefalu, MD, MS, tells WebMD that the diagnosis of anemia among elderly patients has not been a priority in the past because there were no effective treatments for the condition. That changed, however, with the introduction of epoetin alfa, the first drug approved for the treatment of anemia.
The injectable drug is marketed under the brand names Epogen and Procrit. It is approved specifically for anemia related to treatments for kidney failure, HIV, and cancer.
"I think anemia among the elderly will get more attention because of studies like this one and because there is now something that we can do about it," Cefalu says. "We need studies to determine that these emerging treatments are effective for larger populations of anemic patients."
Anemia in Elderly Linked to Declines
Even Mild Anemia Is a Risk Factor for Loss of Physical Function
Drugs Available to Treat Anemia
American Geriatrics Society spokesman Charles Cefalu, MD, MS, tells WebMD that the diagnosis of anemia among elderly patients has not been a priority in the past because there were no effective treatments for the condition. That changed, however, with the introduction of epoetin alfa, the first drug approved for the treatment of anemia.
The injectable drug is marketed under the brand names Epogen and Procrit. It is approved specifically for anemia related to treatments for kidney failure, HIV, and cancer.
"I think anemia among the elderly will get more attention because of studies like this one and because there is now something that we can do about it," Cefalu says. "We need studies to determine that these emerging treatments are effective for larger populations of anemic patients."
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