Hi Mary Ann,
I can’t say that I’ve experienced high blood pressure with luspatercept but I was curious to look into it for my own information as I am a pharmacist. I’m not sure what information you have so I’ll let you know what I found. It seems that hypertension is one of the more serious side effects that can occur with luspatercept. Was your father made aware if this before his treatment? Did they suggest that he monitor his blood pressure?
I found this in the prescribing information for luspatercept (Reblozyl):
“Hypertension was reported in 10.7% (61/571) of REBLOZYL-treated patients. Across clinical studies, the incidence of grade 3-4 hypertension ranged from 1.8% to 8.6%. In adult patients with beta thalassemia with normal baseline blood pressure, 13 (6.2%) patients developed systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 130 mm Hg and 33 (16.6%) patients developed diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > 80 mm Hg. Monitor blood pressure prior to each administration. Manage new onset hypertension or exacerbations of preexisting hypertension using anti-hypertensive agents.”
From this limited information, it seems that starting or adjusting blood pressure medications was the recommendation (vs. stopping the luspatercept). It sounds like they’re doing all the right things to help your father. I hope you’re able to talk to others who have come through the experience to get more information.
Take care!
.
