Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: EPOETIN ALFA - INJECTION (eep-oh-EE-tin AL-fuh)
BRAND NAME(S): Epogen, Procrit
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication stimulates the body to make red blood cells. It is used in the treatment of various anemia conditions.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given as an injection usually one to three times a week. It is important that blood tests be done frequently to check effectiveness of the medication and determine the correct dose.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated. Headache, nausea, muscle aches, diarrhea and cough may occur. Inform your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following while taking this medication: rapid heartbeat, irritation at the injection site. Rarely, this medication can lose its effectiveness after a period of time, and a very serious anemia can result. Tell your doctor immediately if symptoms of anemia reoccur, such as increased fatigue/weakness, or pale skin color. An allergic reaction to this drug is very unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: blood disorders, heart problems, high blood pressure, seizure disorders, kidney problems, blood vessel problems, any allergies. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given in large amounts (more than 100 mg/kg daily) to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is also greater with low birth weight infants. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. Epoetin alfa should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if epoetin alfa is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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