epoetin alfa

(ee poe EE tin AL fa)
Epogen, Procrit

What is the most important information I should know about epoetin alfa?

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Do not give yourself an injection if you are not sure how to inject yourself, how much to inject, and how often to inject your medication. Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help with the instructions.

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During the first 3 months of treatment with epoetin alfa, use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Epoetin alfa has been reported to cause seizures in patients on dialysis, although this side effect is uncommon. If seizures occur, they generally do so during the first 90 days of treatment.

What is epoetin alfa?

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Epoetin alfa is a man-made form of a naturally occurring protein called erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is produced in the kidney and stimulates the production of red blood cells. The amount of erythropoietin in the body may be diminished when the kidneys are damaged. Medications may also decrease the number of red blood cells.

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Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia by stimulating red blood cell production.

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Epoetin alfa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using epoetin alfa?

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Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

high blood pressure;

heart disease;

cancer; or

epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

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You may not be able to use epoetin alfa, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Epoetin alfa is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether epoetin alfa will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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It is also not known whether epoetin alfa passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use epoetin alfa?

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Use epoetin alfa exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Epoetin alfa may be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously (into a vein). Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject your medication. Do not give yourself an injection if you are not sure how to inject yourself, how much to inject, or how often to inject your medication. Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help with the instructions.

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Allow the medication to reach room temperature before measuring a dose.

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Do not shake the vial of epoetin alfa. Vigorous shaking can ruin the medication.

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Properly store and discard all syringes and needles.

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Store epoetin alfa in the refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) away from light, moisture, and the reach of children.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention.

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Symptoms of an epoetin alfa overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using epoetin alfa?

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What are the possible side effects of epoetin alfa?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using epoetin alfa and seek emergency medical treatment:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

seizures.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use epoetin alfa and talk to your doctor if you experience

increased blood pressure;

headache;

a "flulike" feeling;

increased heart rate;

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

numbness or tingling;

tiredness;

muscle aches;

a rash; or

injection site discomfort.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect epoetin alfa?

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It is not known whether epoetin alfa will interact with other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about epoetin alfa written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.