Epoetin alfa acts like this natural substance to stimulate red blood cell production. During chemotherapy, patients may not be able to produce enough red blood cells, a condition known as anemia. Epoetin alfa can treat anemia by increasing the number of red blood cells in the body.
What does EPOGEN do for the body?
EPOGEN® is a prescription medicine that acts like the hormone erythropoietin. It helps the body create more red blood cells, which raises the hemoglobin (Hb) level. Hemoglobin [HEE-moh-glow-bin] is the part of the red blood cell that holds the oxygen.
How do you know EPOGEN is effective?
Your doctor will test your blood regularly—at least weekly at the beginning of your treatment—to make sure EPOGEN® is working. The test will measure your Hb or your hematocrit (hee-MAT-a-crit) levels, though most doctors measure Hb because it is a better way to check for anemia.
What is the purpose of epoetin?
Epoetin alfa injection products are used to treat anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells) in people with chronic kidney failure (condition in which the kidneys slowly and permanently stop working over a period of time).
When is Epogen contraindicated?
Epoetin alfa is contraindicated in patients with serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, skin rash, and urticaria, to the product. Immediately and permanently discontinue epoetin alfa and administer appropriate therapy if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs.
How does Epogen cause hypertension?
Epoetin alfa may sometimes cause or worsen high blood pressure, especially in patients with long-term kidney failure. This effect may be caused by the number of red blood cells increasing too quickly, usually within the first 3 months of starting treatment.
What is Epogen used for in dialysis?
Epogen is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and not on dialysis to decrease the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion.
How is Epogen given?
Epogen can be injected directly into a layer of fat under your skin. This is called a subcutaneous injection. When giving subcutaneous injections, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about changing the site for each injection. You may wish to write down the site where you have injected.
When is EPOGEN contraindicated?
How is EPOGEN given?
Does epoetin alfa increase platelets?
Epo increases platelet count. Haemoglobin and thrombocyte counts of patients treated with Epo or placebo after 5 days.
What is Filgrastim used for?
Filgrastim injection is used to treat neutropenia (low white blood cells) that is caused by cancer medicines. It is a synthetic (man-made) form of a substance that is naturally produced in your body called a colony stimulating factor. Filgrastim helps the bone marrow to make new white blood cells.
What is Epogen and what does it do?
What is Epogen? Epogen ( epoetin alfa) is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. This protein may be reduced when you have kidney failure or use certain medications. When fewer red blood cells are produced, you can develop a condition called anemia.
What are the side effects of Epogen injections?
injection site reactions (pain, tenderness, or irritation). Epogen may sometimes cause or worsen high blood pressure, especially in patients with long-term kidney failure. Rarely, Epogen may suddenly stop working well after a period of time because your body may make antibodies that make it work less well, and a very serious anemia can result.
Can Epogen ® be used in place of an emergency transfusion?
EPOGEN ® should not be used in place of emergency red blood cell transfusions to treat anemia. Transfusions are sometimes necessary because they can quickly increase red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body.
What should I do if my dose of Epogen decreases?
Decreases in dose can occur more frequently. Avoid frequent dose adjustments. If the hemoglobin rises rapidly (e.g., more than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period), reduce the dose of Epogen by 25% or more as needed to reduce rapid responses.
