Epoetin Alfa (Injection)

Epoetin Alfa (e-POE-e-tin AL-fa)

Treats anemia by helping the body produce more red blood cells.

Brand Name(s):

Procrit, Epogen
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to epoetin alfa or albumin, or if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us) or IV injection is given through a tube put in one of your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, hand, or sometimes in your chest.
• A subcutaneous (sub-kyoo-TANE-ee-us) or SC injection is a shot given just under your skin, usually on the back of your arm or the top of your thigh, or on your stomach.
• A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your treatment.
• Sometimes you or a family member can be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection.
• Always wipe the top of the epoetin bottle with an alcohol pad before each use.
• Do not shake the bottle, and You should not use the medicine if you see specks or solid pieces inside the bottle.
• Stick the needle into the rubber stopper at the top of the bottle. With the needle still stuck in the bottle, turn the bottle upside down and hold it at eye level.
• Pull the plunger until it lines up with the number of your dose on the side of the syringe.
• Gently tap the syringe with your finger to make any air bubbles float to the top of the syringe, just under the needle. Push the plunger in just enough so that the air bubbles go up into the bottle, and pull enough epoetin back down into the syringe to make the correct dose.
• Inject your medicine in a different place on your body each time.
• Use a new syringe each time you give yourself an injection. You should not use a needle and syringe more than one time.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless you are a day late.
• If you are more than a day late, call your doctor.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• You should receive a container for throwing away your used needles and syringes. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• If you receive your medicine at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
• If you store this medicine at home, store it in the refrigerator; do not freeze. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You may need to eat foods that contain iron, such as eggs, certain cereals, meats, and vegetables, or you may take an iron supplement while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop using it without first checking with your doctor, even if you feel better.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• It is very important to see your doctor regularly.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain
• Rash or swelling
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms (chills, muscle or joint pain)
• Headache
• Mild pain or stinging where the IV or shot is given
• Upset stomach, nausea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.