Epoetin-alfa Injectable Solution

Name: Epoetin-alfa Injectable Solution

Highlights for epoetin-alfa

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.

This drug can cause serious side effects. See which side effects you should report to your doctor right away.

Know how to use your medication, and learn what might happen if you miss a dose.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions.

Know what to watch for and get tips for reducing your risks while taking this drug.

Epoetin-alfa Side Effects

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
  • chest pain
  • 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):

  • diarrhea
  • fever, chills (flu-like symptoms)
  • headaches
  • nausea, vomiting
  • redness, stinging, or swelling at site where injected

Epoetin-alfa May Interact with Other Medications

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • darbepoetin alfa
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

How to Use epoetin-alfa

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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