CompletedPhase 3

A Study to Evaluate the Safety of Epoetin Alfa and Its Effectiveness in Facilitating the Presurgical Collection of Blood From Anemic Patients for Possible Self-transfusion During and After Scheduled Joint Surgery.

77 participantsStarted 1989-05

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of epoetin alfa and its effectiveness in facilitating the presurgical collection of blood from anemic patients for possible self-transfusion during and after scheduled joint surgery and its effectiveness in reducing surgery-related transfusion requirements. Epoetin alfa is a genetically engineered protein that stimulates red blood cell production.

Who can participate

Age range

12 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled for surgery involving the joints, 25 to 35 days after starting epoetin alfa therapy * having a hematocrit (percentage of red cells in the blood) of \<=39% * in good general health. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with a history of any primary blood disease * having a history of artery blockage in the heart, body or brain, a history of seizures, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or active inflammatory disease, (except osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) * losing blood internally from the stomach or intestines or elsewhere in the body * using of any cell toxic drug, drugs that suppress the immune system, or drugs known to influence red blood cell production (such as chemotherapy for cancer) within 1 month of therapy * having a folate or vitamin B12 deficiency, iron-deficiency anemia, or a disease that destroys blood cells.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Number of units of blood self-donated; Number of donor-donated units of blood used; Total red blood cell volume; Total red blood cell production; Change in hemoglobin from baseline to after the final dose of study medication, but before surgery

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00270062

SponsorJohnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C.

Sponsor typeINDUSTRY

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

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