Treats anemia by helping the body produce more red blood cells
Brand Names:
Procrit, Epogen
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to epoetin alfa or albumin, or if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Uses:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
An intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us) or IV injection is given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, hand, or sometimes in your chest.
A subcutaneous (sub-kyoo-TANE-ee-us) or SC injection is a shot given just under your skin, usually on the back of your arm or the top of your thigh, or on your stomach.
A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your treatment.
Sometimes you or a family member can be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection.
Always wipe the top of the epoetin bottle with an alcohol pad before each use.
Do not shake the bottle, and You should not use the medicine if you see specks or solid pieces inside the bottle.
Stick the needle into the rubber stopper at the top of the bottle. With the needle still stuck in the bottle, turn the bottle upside down and hold it at eye level.
Pull the plunger until it lines up with the number of your dose on the side of the syringe.
Gently tap the syringe with your finger to make any air bubbles float to the top of the syringe, just under the needle. Push the plunger in just enough so that the air bubbles go up into the bottle, and pull enough epoetin back down into the syringe to make the correct dose.
Inject your medicine in a different place on your body each time.
Use a new syringe each time you give yourself an injection. You should not use a needle and syringe more than one time.
If a dose is missed:
Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless you are a day late.
If you are more than a day late, call your doctor.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
Storage:
You should receive a container for throwing away your used needles and syringes. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
If you receive your medicine at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
If you store this medicine at home, store it in the refrigerator; do not freeze. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
You may need to eat foods that contain iron, such as eggs, certain cereals, meats, and vegetables, or you may take an iron supplement while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor.
Warnings:
Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop using it without first checking with your doctor, even if you feel better.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
It is very important to see your doctor regularly.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Chest pain
Rash or swelling
Seizures
Trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat
Diarrhea
Flu-like symptoms (chills, muscle or joint pain)
Headache
Mild pain or stinging where the IV or shot is given
