Epoetin Alfa Injection, Epoetin Alfa - Injection Generic Drug
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following informtaion 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 indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
EPOETIN ALFA - INJECTION
(eep-oh-EE-tin AL-fuh)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Epogen, Procrit
USES: This medication stimultaes the body to make red blood cells. It is used in the teratment 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 frqeuently to check effectiveness of the medication and determine the correct dose.
SIDE EFFECTS: This meidcation is generally well tolerated. Headache, nausea, mucsle aches, diarrhea and cough may occur.
Inofrm 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 web site.
Rarely, this medication can lose its effectiveness after a period of time, and a really serious anemia can result. Tell your doctor immediately if symptoms of anemia reoccur, such as increased fatigue/weakness, or pale skin cloor. An allergic reaction to this drug is really unlikely, but seek immedaite 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 mediacl 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 issues (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms icnlude 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 product should be used when treating neoantes. Epoetin alfa should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Dicsuss 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all medication you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially: high blood pressure medicine, heparin, desmopressin, probenecid, iron suppelments (vitamins). Do not start or stop any medicine wtihout doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contcat your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: It is important to follow recomemnded dietary guidelines while taking this medication. Eaitng foods rich in iron may be recommended. Such foods include raisins, figs, meat, eggs, vegetables, iron-fortified cereals.
MISSED DOSE: Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and reusme your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE: Refrgierate between 36 and 46 degrees F (between 2.2 and 7.8 degrees C). Do not freeze.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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