Epoetin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Epogen, Procrit, Eprex, human erythropoietin, recombinant, EPO, r-HuEPO

Proper Use of This Medicine

Epoetin is usually given by a health care professional after a dialysis treatment. However, medicines given by injection are sometimes used at home. If you will be using epoetin at home, your health care professional will teach you how the injections are to be given. You will also have a chance to practice giving them. Be certain that you understand exactly how the medicine is to be injected .

Dosing - The dose of epoetin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of epoetin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For severe anemia:
    • Adults and teenagers - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 50 to 100 Units per kilogram (kg) (23 to 45 Units per pound) of body weight three times a week, injected into a vein or under the skin. Your doctor may then gradually decrease the dose every four weeks or more until the lowest effective dose is reached.
    • Children 1 month to 12 years of age - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 50 Units per kg (23 Units per pound) of body weight three times a week, injected into a vein or under the skin. Your doctor may then gradually decrease the dose every four weeks or more until the lowest effective dose is reached.
    • Children up to 1 month of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in the refrigerator. However, keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.