Epogen
Epoetin Alfa (Hamster) Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
EPOETIN ALFA (e POE e tin AL fa) helps your body make more red blood cells. This medicine is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney failure, cancer chemotherapy, or HIV-therapy. It may also be used before surgery if you have anemia.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a vein or under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Read More ›
Epogen can be used to treat the following conditions:
- anemia of prematurity
- orthostatic hypotension
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in vision
confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
high blood pressure
muscle aches or pains
pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
rapid weight gain
severe headaches
sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
seizures (convulsions)
swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
fever, chills (flu-like symptoms)
redness, stinging, or swelling at site where injected
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
darbepoetin alfa
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze or shake. Throw away any unused portion if using a single-dose vial. Multi-dose vials can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 21 days after the initial dose. Throw away unused medicine.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blood clotting disorders
cancer patient not on chemotherapy
cystic fibrosis
heart disease, such as angina or heart failure
hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL or greater
high blood pressure
low levels of folate, iron, or vitamin B12
seizures
an unusual or allergic reaction to erythropoietin, albumin, benzyl alcohol, hamster proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress and for the needed blood tests and blood pressure measurements. It is especially important for the doctor to make sure your hemoglobin level is in the desired range, to limit the risk of potential side effects and to give you the best benefit. Keep all appointments for any recommended tests. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.
As your body makes more red blood cells, you may need to take iron, folic acid, or vitamin B supplements. Ask your doctor or health care provider which products are right for you. If you have kidney disease continue dietary restrictions, even though this medication can make you feel better. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about the foods you eat and the vitamins that you take.
Who should not take Epogen?
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
anemia, angina, anticoagulant therapy, breast-feeding, cardiac disease, coagulopathy, coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), cystic fibrosis, dialysis, driving or operating machinery, folate deficiency, heart failure, hematological disease, hemoglobin concentration greater than 12 g/dl, hyperkalemia, hyperparathyroidism, hypersplenism, hypertension, infection, iron-deficiency anemia, leukemia, neonates, neoplastic disease, osteitis, porphyria, pregnancy, red cell aplasia, renal failure, renal impairment, seizure disorder, seizures, sickle cell disease, stroke, surgery, thromboembolic disease, viral infection, vitamin B12 deficiency
Copyright: © 2000-2010 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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