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EPOETIN ALFA (e POE e tin AL fa) treats low levels of red blood cells (anemia) caused by kidney disease, chemotherapy, or HIV medications. It can also be used in people who are at risk for blood loss during surgery. It works by helping your body make more red blood cells, which reduces the need for blood transfusions.
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected into a vein or under the skin. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home.
If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be used in children as young as 1 month of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Protect from light. Keep this medication in the original container until you are ready to take it. See product for storage information. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
What may interact with this medication?
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
You may need blood work while taking this medication.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medicine helps increase red blood cells (RBCs). It should help you avoid getting a blood transfusion. It should NOT get your RBCs to near healthy or normal levels. If this medicine gets your RBCs close to normal, it increases the risk of serious heart problems (like heart attack, heart failure, or stroke) and death.
This medicine increases the risk of blood clots.
Use of this medicine as part of cancer treatment could make the cancer grow faster or increase the risk of death. You will only get this medicine from a healthcare provider who got special training about these risks. They will talk with you in detail about these risks.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you need surgery while getting treatment with this medicine. There is a high risk of a serious blood clot from surgery while getting this medicine.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.
Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.
Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.
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