The role of the pharmacist in optimizing the use of erythropoietin stimulating agents

Abstract

PURPOSE: With the emerging new warnings surrounding the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), the pharmacist's role as health educator and risk communicator expands further to include patient scrutiny to check for eligibility and patient monitoring to check for response or toxicity. This review explores the benefits and risks linked to ESAs use, and the proposed role. SUMMARY: ESAs have been increasingly used for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia because of its documented effect on decreasing transfusion dependency. However, their use has been associated with thromboembolic complications, tumor progression, and decreased overall survival. This review covers current recommendations and guidelines that surround ESAs use in the supportive care of cancer patients. CONCLUSION: To minimize or prevent the complications associated with ESAs use, cancer patients should be adequately monitored and counseled. This highlights the importance of the pharmacist's involvement to optimize patient care.

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