Key takeaways
Reblozyl (luspatercept) and Procrit (epoetin alfa) are both injectable medications used to treat anemia, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of anemia. Reblozyl is a biologic called an erythroid maturation agent that helps immature red blood cells develop properly. It is used for anemia in adults with beta thalassemia or certain myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who need regular red blood cell transfusions. Procrit, on the other hand, is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) that works similarly to a natural hormone in your body to stimulate red blood cell production. It is used for anemia due to chemotherapy, chronic kidney disease, and zidovudine use in HIV-infected individuals, as well as to reduce the need for transfusions in certain surgeries. Reblozyl is typically given every 3 weeks by a healthcare provider, while Procrit can be administered more frequently, ranging from daily to weekly, and can be given at home if appropriate. Both medications can raise the risk of blood clots and high blood pressure, but Procrit also has specific warnings about increased risks of death, heart problems, and tumor growth in cancer patients. Additionally, Procrit requires adequate iron levels to be effective, whereas Reblozyl does not have this requirement.
