Precautions
How long does it take for an injection of Epogen take to work?
It takes time for your body to make new red blood cells and raise your hemoglobin (Hb) level. With EPOGEN® treatment, Hb levels usually increase in 2 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will test your blood regularly—at least weekly at the beginning of your treatment—to make sure EPOGEN® is working.
Who needs Epogen?
Epogen is indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies where anemia is due to the effect of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy.
What are the serious side effects of Epogen?
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
How often is Epogen given?
This medication is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times a week. Patients getting this medication before surgery may have a special dosing schedule. Hemodialysis patients should receive this medication by injection into a vein.
Why is Epogen given?
This medication is used to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) in people with long-term serious kidney disease (chronic kidney failure), people receiving zidovudine to treat HIV, and people receiving chemotherapy for some types of cancer (cancer that does not involve the bone marrow or blood cells).
Where do you inject Epogen?
Epogen can be injected directly into a layer of fat under your skin. This is called a subcutaneous injection. When giving subcutaneous injections, follow your healthcare provider's instructions about changing the site for each injection. You may wish to write down the site where you have injected.
Does anemia cause kidney failure?
Anemia can happen early in the course of kidney disease and grow worse as kidneys fail and can no longer make EPO. Anemia is especially common if you: Have diabetes.
Are EPO injections painful?
About half the patients experienced the injection of epoetin-a as moderately to extremely painful. In contrast, for epoetin-P, most of the patients described the administration as painless or, in a minority of cases, as only minimally painful. Studying the efficacy of subcutaneous EPO, Bommer et al.
How much does EPO injection cost?
About Epogen This medicine is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, cancer chemotherapy, or HIV-therapy. It may also be used before surgery if you have anemia. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of Epogen is around $37.53, 29% off the average retail price of $53.28.
What foods raise your red blood cells?
5 nutrients that increase red blood cell countsred meat, such as beef.organ meat, such as kidney and liver.dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as spinach and kale.dried fruits, such as prunes and raisins.beans.legumes.egg yolks.
What are the side effects of EPO injections?
Common side effectsAllergic reaction. Rarely, some people have an allergic reaction to erythropoietin. ... Feeling sick or being sick. You may feel sick during treatment with erythropoietin. ... Diarrhoea. ... Blood clot risk. ... Headaches. ... High blood pressure. ... Muscle, joint or bone pain. ... Flu-like symptoms.More items...
Are EPO injections safe?
EPO medication is very safe. In rare cases, patients feel like they have the flu about 1 hour after an injection. This is not serious and the feeling does go away. EPO medication improves hemoglobin so your blood pressure may go up.
Are Epogen, Procrit, and Retacrit all the same medications?
Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx) is a biosimilar of Epogen (epoetin alfa) and Procrit (epoetin alfa). Epogen and Procrit are the original biologic medi...
How quickly does Epogen (epoetin alfa) work to increase hemoglobin levels?
After starting Epogen (epoetin alfa) it will take time for you body to make new red blood cells. Hemoglobin levels will usually increase after 2 to...
Why do I need to take iron supplements with Epogen (epoetin alfa)?
Epogen (epoetin alfa) will tell your body to make more red blood cells, but your body also needs enough iron to do this. If your iron levels are to...
Is Epogen (epoetin alfa) a form of chemotherapy?
No, Epogen (epoetin alfa) isn't a type of chemotherapy, but is often times used in people receiving chemotherapy treatment. Certain types of chemot...
Where do you inject Epogen (epoetin alfa)?
Epogen (epoetin alfa) can be injected into the outer area of the upper arms, abdomen, front of your middle thigh, and upper outer area of your butt...