Helping Those At Risk For Chronic Kidney Disease First-Ever Anemia Self-Screening Kit Now Available Without Cost (NAPSA)—Approximately 20 such as PROCRIT (Epoetin alfa), can effectively treat anemia from chronic kidney disease by helping the body produce red blood cells. PROCRIT is approved for patients with chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis. ANEMIAPRO, which was approved recently by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can be used in the convenience of home by placing a single drop of blood from a finger nick into the million Americans—one in nine adults—are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, and most don’t even know it. This progressive condition, in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively, can be a devastating illness, and it’s on the rise in the United States. Now, a new free self-screening kit, ANEMIAPRO™, may help those at risk for developing chronic kidney disease to determine if they have anemia, one of the most important, yet often overlooked, symptomsof the disease. People at increased risk for chronic kidney disease include test device. Within 20 minutes, Basketball star Alonzo Mourning with ANEmIAPRO™, a new anemia self-screening kit being offered those who suffer from diabetes, without cost to patients at risk for chronic kidney disease. “This test is an important tool does not produce enough hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen, which acts like fuel, to tissues of the body. Anemia can be a debilitating condition that results in excessive tiredness and diminished ability to carry out high blood pressure, or both; those who have a family history of kidney disease; and those who are over the age of 65. for those at risk to determine whether they may be anemic,” said Kris Robinson, executive director of the American Association of Kidney Patients, a national nonprofit organization that serves kidney patients and their families. “Results of the self-test need to be shared with a physician, who will then confirm or rule out a diagnosis of anemia and its possible causes.” Anemia occurs when the body About PROcRIT even the most routine activities. Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease andrelated anemia may help to improve health outcomes in later stages of illness and improve patients’ energy and activity levels. Many people with anemia may not know they have it or that treatments are available, but medications, the test will show a numeric reading of the hemoglobin count, which can then be compared with an accompanying chart to determine if the person taking the test may be anemic. People who may be at risk for chronic kidney disease and who are interested in obtaining ANEMIAPRO may call 1-888-5572854 or visit www.AnemiaPro.com to complete a confidential screening process. It includes questions about risks for chronic kidney disease, such as having diabetes, high blood pressure and signs of chronic fatigue. The kits will be provided at no cost to qualified individuals who complete the confidential screening process and who are at risk for chronic kidney disease. Supplies of the kits are limited. ANEMIAPRois a single-use only screening test. Proceir (Epoetin alfa) is for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients who are not on dialysis. Procerir is available by prescription only and is injected by doctors or nurses. PROCRIT is not for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. High blood pressure has been noted in patients treated with PRocrir and blood pressure should be monitored carefully. Drugs like PROCRIT may increase the risk of blood clots and seizures. Loss of response to PROCRIT could be a sign of a very rare but serious condition. In studies, the most common side effects were high blood pressure, headache, joint pain and nausea. For full U.S. Prescribing Information and additional information on PROCRIT and anemia, please visit www.procrit.com /nephrology /index.html.
