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| Pronunciation |
|
 (e
POE e tin AL
fa) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Epogen®; Procrit® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Colony Stimulating Factor |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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If you have an allergy to epoetin alfa or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have uncontrolled high blood
pressure. |
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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|
This medicine is used to treat a variety of anemias.
It may take 6 weeks to see the full
effect. |
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| How does it work? |
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Epoetin alpha stimulates bone marrow to produce red blood
cells. |
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| How is it best taken? |
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|
Wash your hands before and after use.
This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
It may be given as a shot into a vein.
Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to
healthcare provider when full.
Iron supplements are often needed. |
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
If you have porphyria, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Chronic renal failure patients:
High blood pressure.
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Clotted dialysis graft.
Zidovudine-treated HIV-infected patients:
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in
thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require
you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects
you.
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Diarrhea.
Cough.
Cancer patients on chemotherapy:
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Diarrhea.
Swelling. |
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| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Fast heartbeat.
Severe dizziness or passing out.
Seizures.
Severe headache.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Do not shake. |
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| General statements |
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Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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