Chemotherapy Patients Rebound From Anemia (NAPSA)—Whenprofessional basketball player Edna Campbell was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, she knew that she would need to re-direct her energy from basketball to fight her deadly disease. But breast cancer was not Campbell’s only challenge. She also had to battle anemia—a debilitating side effect of chemotherapy treatment that affects 71 percent of chemotherapy patients. Anemia, a potentially lifethreatening illness, occurs when the body does not produce enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Oxygen acts like fuel for the body, providing energy for muscles and organs to work. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, decreased ability to concentrate and sleeplessness. Fortunately, anemia can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. Once the source of her problem was discovered, Campbell’s doctor prescribed Procrit (Epoetin alfa) to treat her anemia, which helped increase her energy. It wasn’t long before Edna could get back on the basketball court and back to the things she enjoys, such as spending time with friends and family. Now, she has joined the Rebound from Anemia campaign to educate the millions of cancer Basketball star Edna Campbell educates and encourages cancer patients at risk for chemotherapy-related anemia to seek diagnosis and treatment. patients at risk for anemia and encourage them to seek diagnosis and treatment. According to Alex Zukiwski, M.D., Vice President, Oncology, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., “It’s important that cancer chemotherapy patients talk to their doctor about how they are feeling, especially if they feel exhausted or can’t do everyday tasks. Many patients don’t realize that anemia is a treatable condition.” Edna’s partner in the Rebound from Anemia program, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., is making free brochures available by visiting www.procrit.com and clicking on the Rebound from Anemia logo or by calling 1-877-557-8839. These educational brochures provide important information about anemia, chemotherapysideeffects, as well as strategies for newly diagnosed cancer patients. Procrit has been used in more than one million people across four indications and is indicated to treat chemotherapy-related anemia in patients with most types of cancer. Procrit is proven and safe. Procrit is available by prescription only and is injected by a doctor or nurse. In studies, diarrhea, edema, fever, vomiting, shortness of breath, tingling, and upper respiratory infection occurred more often with Procrit than placebo. Although high blood pressure has been noted rarely in cancer patients treated with Procrit, blood pressure should be monitored carefully, particularly in patients with a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. For full U.S. Prescribing Information and additional information on Procrit and anemia, please visit http://www. procrit.com/oncology/ help/pi-html.
