uses
What is epoetin alfa used for?Epoetin alfa is commonly used to treat the following conditions.Anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, treatment with the HIV medicine zidovudine, or certain cancer chemotherapy regimensTo lower the need for blood transfusions in certain surgeriesEpoetin alfa may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does epoetin alfa work (mechanism of action)?Epoetin alfa is a hormone that tells your body to make more red blood cells.How is epoetin alfa supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesEPOEpogenProcritRetacritDosage forms and strengths2,000 units/mL, 3,000 units/mL, 4,000 units/mL, 10,000 units/mL, and 40,000 units/mL in single-dose vials20,000 units/2 mL (10,000 units/mL) and 20,000 units/mL in multiple-dose vialsHow should I store epoetin alfa?Epoetin alfa should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Keep the vials in the carton they come in to protect them from light. Do not freeze or shake the vials.Use single-use vials one time. Multiple-dose vials can be used for 21 days after you first pierce the stopper with a needle. Store these opened multiple-dose vials in the refrigerator.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel or under the skin
drug interactions
Does epoetin alfa interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between epoetin alfa and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect epoetin alfa.Does epoetin alfa interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Epoetin alfa may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of epoetin alfa?The most common side effects of epoetin alfa are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Pain in your bones, joints, or muscles or muscle spasmsSore mouthHeadacheInfection in the nose or throat, sore throat, cough, or common cold symptomsFever or chillsDizzinessItchingNausea and vomitingHigh blood sugarLow blood potassium levelsLow white blood cell levelsRedness or pain where the medicine was injectedTrouble sleepingTrouble swallowingWeight lossFeeling depressedThere may be other side effects of epoetin alfa that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of epoetin alfa?While less common, the most serious side effects of epoetin alfa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Epoetin alfa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using epoetin alfa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painIncreased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Epoetin alfa may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Keep all appointments to have your blood pressure checked and follow any health care provider instructions about your blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.Seizures. Some people who have used epoetin alfa have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop using epoetin alfa and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movementsStiffening of your arms and legsFeeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dreadFeeling dizzy or lightheadedFalling or losing consciousnessSevere Skin Reactions. Epoetin alfa can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop epoetin alfa and call your health care provider right away. Stop using epoetin alfa and get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels offFlat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitalsRed, painful, watery eyesFlu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle achesBlood Clots. Epoetin alfa may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), deep venous thrombosis, or a blood clot in your dialysis access site. Stop using epoetin alfa and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots.Chest pain or pressureFast or abnormal heartbeatTrouble breathingPain in your back, jaw, throat, or armSweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizzinessSudden weakness on one side of your bodySudden and severe headacheSlurred speech or trouble understanding speechPain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or legVision lossBulging eyes Double visionYour dialysis access site no longer worksHeart Failure. Epoetin alfa may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying downSwelling in your feet, ankles, or legsUnusually fast weight gainUnusual tirednessAnemia. Epoetin alfa may cause pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), a condition that can lead to severe anemia. This can happen if your body makes antibodies to epoetin alfa, which can reduce your body’s ability to make red blood cells. People with chronic kidney disease who get epoetin alfa injected under the skin may be at higher risk. You may also have low levels of other types of blood cells. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.Unusual weakness or tirednessCold hands and feetFast or abnormal heartbeatPale or yellowish skinDizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outShortness of breath
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much epoetin alfa?If you or someone else has used too much epoetin alfa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of epoetin alfa?If you miss a dose, call your health care provider right away. They can tell you what to do.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use epoetin alfa?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use epoetin alfa.Epoetin alfaEpogenProcritRetacritAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific epoetin alfa products they stock.High Blood Pressure. Epoetin alfa should not be used if you have high blood pressure that is not controlled, such as with medicines.Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA). Epoetin alfa should not be used if you have or have had pure red cell aplasia due to treatment with epoetin alfa or a similar medicine.What should I know about epoetin alfa before using it?Do not use epoetin alfa unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Always use a new needle. Reuse of needles or syringes may increase your risk for infection.Do not share epoetin alfa with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep epoetin alfa out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.Do not use epoetin alfa that has been frozen or shaken.This medicine is injected into a blood vessel or under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use epoetin alfa. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.Multiple-dose epoetin alfa vials should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for babies. These vials contain benzyl alcohol, which can harm babies. Talk to your health care provider to make sure you only get single-dose vials if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if the medicine is for a baby.When used to treat anemia related to cancer, this medication may also increase the risk of death or cause your tumor to grow faster. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider. What should I tell my health care provider before using epoetin alfa?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if epoetin alfa is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Heart problemsHigh blood pressureA history of strokeSeizuresDialysis treatmentPlanned surgeryCancerPhenylketonuria (some epoetin alfa products may contain phenylalanine)Pregnancy. It is not known if or how epoetin alfa could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use epoetin alfa while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if epoetin alfa passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use epoetin alfa while breastfeeding.
about
Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia. Common side effects include cough, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. Serious side effects are rare, but include blood clots, seizures, and severe skin reactions. Epoetin alfa is an injection that may be given under your skin by either you, your caregiver, or your health care provider.