a. Patients may be transfused or receive epoetin alfa to maintain or exceed this level up to the hemoglobin level recommended on the current label for epoetin alfa. There is concern that hemoglobin levels greater than the level recommended by the current labeling have been associated with the potential increased risk of thrombotic events and increased mortality. Also, a rapid increase in hemoglobin may exacerbate hypertension (a concern in patients with pre-existing hypertension and if bevacizumab is administered).