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, and it is specifically used for anemia in adults with beta thalassemia or certain myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). It is given every 3 weeks by a healthcare provider. On the other hand, Procrit is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) that mimics a natural hormone in the 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, and can be administered at home. Procrit can be given daily, three times a week, or weekly, depending on your condition. While both medications can raise the risk of blood clots and high blood pressure, Procrit also has specific warnings for cancer patients and those with uncontrolled hypertension. Additionally, Procrit requires adequate iron levels to be effective, whereas Reblozyl does not have this requirement.
