The Food and Drug Administration has alerted healthcare providers and patients that Affymax and Takeda are instituting a voluntary recall of Omontys. This recall is due to reports of serious allergic reaction, some cases resulting in death. If you have been given Omontys for home use, stop using it and return it to your healthcare provider. Affymax and Takeda voluntarily recalled their product in February 2013.

Omontys (generic: peginesatide) is a prescription medication used to treat anemia (low red blood cells) in adults who are on dialysis. Omontys belongs to a group of drugs called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents that aid in the formation of red blood cells.

This medication comes in an injectable form to be given once a month, either directly into a vein through your hemodialysis vascular access (IV), or just under your skin.

Common side effects of Omontys include shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.