NBA Champion Alonzo Mourning Raises Awareness About Kidney Disease

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 09 Jul 2006 - 20:00 PDT

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As a legend on the basketball court, 2006 NBA Champion Alonzo Mourning is focused on the task at hand - the game. Off the court, he is just as determined to be proactive in taking care of his health while encouraging others to do the same, because he himself had a kidney transplant. Mourning will travel to cities nationwide with Rebound from Anemia, a program to help raise awareness about anemia as an important and often overlooked warning sign of chronic kidney disease.

During his tour, Mourning will stress to patients that it is important to recognize anemia by identifying symptoms such as tiredness or fatigue. Through Rebound from Anemia, he hopes to encourage people with chronic kidney disease to talk to their doctors, get tested and take steps to live healthier, more active lives. He will share his story and provide information about chronic kidney disease, risk factors and other signs and symptoms.

Success means far more to Mourning than stellar statistics on a basketball court - it's also about bringing this same level of energy and enthusiasm to helping those around him. One of his charities, Zo's Fund for Life, was established to support research, education and financial relief to patients with kidney disorders.

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively. Many people, including Mourning before his diagnosis, do not realize that they have chronic kidney disease, or are at risk for developing it, until they have reached advanced stages of the condition. This is significant, because more than 20 million Americans - or one in nine adults - are estimated to have chronic kidney disease; another 20 million are at increased risk. By participating in Rebound from Anemia, Mourning hopes to motivate people to take action by evaluating if they are at risk for chronic kidney disease by identifying common signs and symptoms often associated with the condition. One such sign, anemia, which involves low concentrations of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, is an early yet often overlooked sign of chronic kidney disease.

"I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease through a routine physical for the NBA. I had no idea I was at risk - I didn't know the symptoms to watch for. If I had known that my fatigue or tiredness associated with anemia was a warning sign, I could have worked with my doctor and received treatment earlier, which may have slowed progression of the disease," said Mourning. "Take my advice: if you're at risk for chronic kidney disease and have symptoms of anemia, speak to your doctor."

People at risk for chronic kidney disease include those who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, or both, and those who have a family history of kidney disease or who are over the age of 65. Chronic kidney disease also is more common among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders and American Indians. It is particularly important for those at risk for chronic kidney disease to be aware of the signs and symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue or tiredness, weakness, dizziness or shortness of breath.

"Knowing the symptoms of anemia can make a difference in your health. It may lead to an earlier discovery of chronic kidney disease, which can lead to earlier treatment and better health outcomes," said Robert Provenzano, M.D., F.A.C.P., chair of the Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. John Hospital & Medical Center, Detroit, MI. "This makes it critical that patients discuss symptoms of anemia with their doctors."

Rebound from Anemia is sponsored by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., marketer of PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa).

For more information about kidney disease and anemia, please visit http://www.ReboundfromAnemia.com.

Alonzo's Story

In 2000, Alonzo Mourning was at the top of his game. He was a leading player in the NBA, twice-named defensive player of the year and a member of the gold medal Olympic team. That same year, he faced his biggest opponent - a diagnosis of kidney disease that led to his temporary retirement from the NBA and a kidney transplant in December 2003.

"One of my greatest challenges was the fatigue or tiredness related to anemia that not only kept me from picking up a basketball, but even prevented me from playing with my kids," said Mourning. "Once I began treatment for my kidney disease, my doctor explained that anemia was a treatable condition and prescribed PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa), a medication that helped treat it."

Today, Mourning has made a successful return to the NBA as a key player with the 2006 NBA Champions, the Miami Heat, and has dedicated much of his life to helping others with kidney disease.

Individual results of PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa) therapy may vary.

About Anemia

Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Oxygen acts like fuel for the body, providing energy for muscles and organs to work. Common symptoms include fatigue or tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, paleness and impaired ability to participate in formerly routine tasks.

Many people with anemia may not know they have it, that treatments are available or that it is an early warning sign of chronic kidney disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of both anemia and chronic kidney disease may help to improve patients' health. Anemia can be treated effectively in patients who have chronic kidney disease. PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa) helps treat anemia by increasing the number of red blood cells in a patient's body. More red blood cells may mean more strength to get back to the activities of daily life.

About PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa)

PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa) is for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients who are not on dialysis. PROCRIT® is available by prescription only and is injected by a doctor or nurse. PROCRIT® has been prescribed for more than 10 years to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.

PROCRIT® is not for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. High blood pressure has been noted in patients treated with PROCRIT® and blood pressure should be monitored carefully. Drugs like PROCRIT® may increase the risk of blood clots and seizures. Loss of response to PROCRIT® could be a sign of a very rare but serious condition. In studies, the most common side effects were high blood pressure, headache, joint pain and nausea.

Please visit http://www.PROCRIT.com for important product information.

About Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., is a leading biopharmaceutical company devoted to helping improve the lives of patients with cancer and with anemia due to multiple causes, including chronic kidney disease. Since it was founded in 1990, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., and its worldwide affiliates have earned a global reputation for researching, manufacturing and marketing innovative products that enhance patients' health. Located in Bridgewater, NJ, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., is an established market leader in Epoetin alfa therapy for anemia management. The company also markets treatments for recurrent ovarian cancer, rejection of transplanted organs and other serious illnesses. For more information, visit http://www.orthobiotech.com.