This medicine is used for the following purposes:
Brand Name(s): Epogen, Procrit, Retacrit
Generic Name: Epoetin Alfa, Epoetin Alfa-epbx
Instructions
This medicine is given as an injection.
Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.
Do not shake the medicine before using.
Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. If frozen, throw away.
Keep the medicine in its original container.
Protect medicine from light.
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.
Discard unused medicine after 21 days in the refrigerator.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to show you how to use this medicine correctly.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
This medicine is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience leg pain or swelling, difficulty breathing, chest or jaw pain, severe headache, one-sided weakness or slurred speech.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to safely discard unused medicines, needles and syringes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- back pain
- coughing
- headaches
- high blood pressure
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- chest pain
- dizziness
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- fever or chills
- severe or persistent headache
- fast or irregular heart beats
- sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
- pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- blurring or changes of vision
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about EPOETIN ALFA - INJECTION
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.