Anemia is a serious, life-threatening problem affecting almost all dialysis patients. It causes fatigue, weakness and increased risk of hospitalization and death. In most cases, administration of Erythropoietin Stimulation Agents (ESA), such as EPOGEN®, can manage our anemia and restore our energy. With optimum anemia management, we require less medical attention and hospitalization; we are better able to enjoy life, perform the activities of daily living and hold jobs.

Every dialysis patient's anemia situation is different. The decision of how much ESA’s each of us needs to manage our anemia to optimum levels should be made by our physicians in consultation with ourselves. The government should not limit the level of ESA’s we receive by only paying for it up to a certain standardized amount or up to a certain hemoglobin level.