epoetin alfa Health Article

Generic name(s):

epoetin alfa

Brand name(s):

Epogen, Procrit

What is the most important information I should know about epoetin alfa?

This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use epoetin alfa. Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Before using epoetin alfa, tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or a history of seizures. Epoetin alfa may cause seizures. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of all items used in giving the medicine. Contact your doctor if you feel weak, light-headed, or short of breath, or if your skin looks pale. These may be signs that your body has stopped responding to epoetin alfa. Some women using epoetin alfa have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.

Epoetin alfa is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

What is epoetin alfa?

Epoetin alfa is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. The amount of this protein in your body 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.

Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia (a lack of red blood cells in the body).

Epoetin alfa may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using epoetin alfa?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp), or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

• an allergy to animal products; or

• an allergy to albumin.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure (hypertension);

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a history of stroke, heart attack, or blood clots;

• a blood cell or clotting disorder, such as sickle cell anemia or hemophilia;

• cancer; or

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use epoetin alfa.

Epoetin alfa is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether epoetin alfa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Some women using epoetin alfa have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need to use birth control while you are using epoetin alfa.

Epoetin alfa may shorten remission time in some people with head and neck cancer who are also being treated with radiation. Epoetin alfa may also shorten survival time in certain people with breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.