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Peginesatide Side Effects
Some of the most commonly reported side effects of peginesatide are headaches, vomiting, and muscle spasms. Fortunately, most reactions to this drug are minor and treated easily. However, there are also some potentially serious complications that require immediate medical treatment. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience problems such as swelling, coughing, or heart rhythm problems.
In February 2013, peginesatide was pulled from the market (all of the product was recalled) to investigate reports of dangerous allergic reactions, including fatal anaphylactic reactions, which appear to be occurring more frequently than anticipated. This medication will not be available until further notice.
Just like any medicine, peginesatide (Omontys®) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with peginesatide. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Some side effects of peginesatide are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Dangerously high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Signs of congestive heart failure (CHF), such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling or water weight gain
- Cough
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or a sudden loss in heart function (cardiac arrest)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Increased growth of cancers
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- An unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Unexplained swelling
- Difficulty breathing.
Serious reactions seem to be more common if peginesatide therapy is too aggressive. Peginesatide should be dosed using a specific target for hemoglobin levels (a measure of anemia). The target hemoglobin level is 12 g/dL, and the target should be achieved gradually. If a higher hemoglobin target is used, or if hemoglobin is raised too quickly, serious side effects are more likely to occur.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD