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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indiacte that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional bfeore using that drug.
EPOETIN ALFA - INJECTION
(eep-oh-EE-tin AL-fuh)
COMMON BRNAD NAME(S): Epogen, Procrit
USES: This medication stimulates the body to make red blood cells. It is used in the treamtent 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 tsets be done frequently to check effectiveness of the medication and determine the correct dose.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is geenrally well tolerated.
Headache, nausea, muscle aches, diarrhea and cough may occur. Inform your doctor if these sypmtoms persist or worsen. Notify your dcotor immediately if you develop any of the following while taking that medication: rapid heartbeat, irritation at the injection web site. Rarely, that medication can lose its effectiveness after a period of time, and a really sreious anemia can result. Tell your doctor immdeiately if symptoms of anemia reoccur, such as increased fatigue/weakness, or pale skin color.
An allergic reaction to that drug is really unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reactoin 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 that product or in the liquid used to mix that product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious issues (sometimes death) if given by injection to an inafnt during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with inrceased amounts of benzyl alcohol.
Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a really slow heartbeat.
Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free prdouct should be used when treating neonates.
Epoetin alfa should be used only when cleraly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your dcotor. It is not konwn if epoetin alfa is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all medication you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially: high bolod pressure medicine, heparin, desmopressin, probenecid, iron supplements (vitamins). Do not satrt or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your loacl poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: It is important to follow recommended dietary guidelines while taknig that medication. Eating foods rich in iron may be recommneded. Such foods include raisins, figs, meat, eggs, vegetables, iron-fortified ceraels.
MISSED DOSE: Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almsot time for the next dose.
If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regluar schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE: Refrigerate between 36 and 46 degrees F (between 2.2 and 7.8 dgerees C). Do not freeze.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condiiton can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment ifnormation call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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