Precautions
Feb 11, 2020 · When should I take Epogen? Initiate Epogen treatment only when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL. If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 12 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Epogen. The recommended starting dose for pediatric patients (ages 1 month or older) is 50 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously.
What is Epogen used to treat?
Jul 15, 2021 · For pediatric patients with CKD: • Initiate Epogen treatment only when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL. • If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 12 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Epogen. • The recommended starting dose for pediatric patients (ages 1 month or older) is 50 ...
When should Epogen be given to a CKD patient?
May 28, 2020 · Epogen is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or chronic kidney disease, anemia caused by taking zidovudine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), or anemia due to other reasons. Epogen is also used to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions in people having certain types of surgery. Warnings
What should I know before taking Epogen?
For all people who take Epogen, including people with cancer or chronic kidney disease: Serious heart problems, such as heart attack or heart failure, and stroke. You may die sooner if …
How often should Epogen be given during chemotherapy?
EPOGEN ® may be prescribed when your Hb level is less than 10 g/dL Throughout your EPOGEN ® treatment, your doctor will also check your iron levels because iron helps your red blood cells carry oxygen. The majority of patients taking EPOGEN ® for their anemia require iron therapy
How quickly does EPOGEN work?
It may take 2 to 6 weeks before your red blood cell count increases. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
When should erythropoietin be administered?
ESAs are usually given to patients who have chronic (long-lasting) kidney disease or end-stage renal (kidney) disease. These patients usually have lower hemoglobin levels because they can't produce enough erythropoietin. ESAs are also prescribed for patients who have cancer.Feb 2, 2018
What should you not do to EPOGEN?
Do not take EPOGEN® if you: Have high blood pressure that is not controlled (uncontrolled hypertension). Have been told by your healthcare provider that you have, or have ever had a type of anemia called Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) that starts after treatment with EPOGEN® or other erythropoietin medicines.
Does EPOGEN raise blood pressure?
Epogen may sometimes cause or worsen high blood pressure, especially in patients with long-term kidney failure.
Can EPOGEN be given IM?
Use these Instructions for Use if you or your caregiver has been trained to give Epogen injections at home. Do not give yourself the injection unless you have received training from your healthcare provider. If you are not sure about giving the injection or you have questions, ask your healthcare provider for help.
Do you give EPOGEN before or after dialysis?
EPOGEN® is given 3 times a week for patients on dialysis. If prescribed by your doctor, your EPOGEN® treatment will probably be on the same schedule as your dialysis. EPOGEN® needs to be injected either into your skin or directly into your dialysis line.
Can Epogen cause a stroke?
Risk Information for EPOGEN. You may get serious heart problems such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and may die sooner if you are treated with EPOGEN® to reach a normal or near-normal Hb level. If your Hb level stays too high or goes up too quickly, this may also lead to these serious problems.
When is Epogen contraindicated?
Epoetin alfa is contraindicated in patients with serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, skin rash, and urticaria, to the product. Immediately and permanently discontinue epoetin alfa and administer appropriate therapy if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs.
Can Epogen treat anemia?
EPOGEN® is used to treat anemia by helping the body create more red blood cells. When the amount of blood cells are lower than normal, you also have decreased levels of hemoglobin (also called Hb). Hb is the iron-rich protein that allows the red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
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.
Can Evening Primrose cause high blood pressure?
Chronic administration of erythropoietin (EPO) is associated with an increase in arterial blood pressure in patients and animals with chronic renal failure (CRF). Several mechanisms have been considered in the pathogenesis of EPO-induced hypertension.
Why is epogen used for anemia?
Epogen is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or chronic kidney disease, anemia caused by taking zidovudine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), or anemia due to other reasons. Epogen is also used to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions in people having certain types of surgery.
What is the name of the protein that helps the body produce red blood cells?
Epogen ( epoetin alfa) is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. This protein 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.
Can epogen cause a heart attack?
Epogen can cause serious side effects, including heart attack, blood clots, or stroke. Epoetin alfa may also speed up tumor growth, or shorten remission or survival time in some people. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Epogen.
How to tell if you have a blood clot?
signs of a blood clot - pain, swelling, warmth, redness, cold feeling, or pale appearance of an arm or leg; or. increased blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed. Call your doctor at once if you have: unusual tiredness; a seizure (convulsions);
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Seek emergency medical help if you have: heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
What is the purpose of Epogen N?
EPOGEN#N#®#N#is a prescription medicine used to treat a lower than normal number of red blood cells (anemia) caused by chronic kidney disease in patients on dialysis to reduce or avoid the need for red blood cell transfusions.
What are the symptoms of a severe skin reaction?
Signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions with EPOGEN. ®. may include: skin rash with itching, blisters, skin sores, peeling, or areas of skin coming off. If you have any signs or symptoms of a severe skin reaction, stop using EPOGEN.
Does Epogen cause high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a common side effect of EPOGEN. ®. in people with chronic kidney disease. Your blood pressure may go up or be difficult to control with blood pressure medication while taking EPOGEN.
What does it mean when your legs are numb?
Pain or swelling in your legs. A cool or pale arm or leg. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding others’ speech. Sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body. Sudden trouble seeing.
What is the hemoglobin level of Epogen?
You may get serious heart problems such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and may die sooner if you are treated with Epogen to a hemoglobin level above 12 g/dL.
Can you give Epogen to other people?
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Use Epogen only for the condition for which it has been prescribed. Do not give Epogen to other people even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
Can epogen cause tumors to grow faster?
Your tumor may grow faster and you may die sooner when Epogen is used experimentally to try to raise your hemoglobin beyond the amount needed to avoid red blood cell transfusion or given to patients who are not getting strong doses of chemotherapy. It is not known whether these risks exist when Epogen is given according to the FDA-approved directions for use.
