EPOETIN ALFA-EPBX - INJECTION

EPOETIN ALFA-EPBX - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (e-POE-e-tin AL-fa)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Retacrit

GENERIC NAME(S): epoetin alfa-epbx

Uses

USES: 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). It may also be used in anemic patients to reduce the need for blood transfusions before certain planned surgeries that have a high risk of blood loss (usually given with an anticoagulant/"blood thinner" medication such as warfarin to lower the risk of serious blood clots). Epoetin alfa-epbx works by signaling the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This medication is very similar to the natural substance in your body (erythropoietin) that prevents anemia.


How to use EPOETIN ALFA-EPBX - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 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. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Do not shake this medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. If you are injecting this medication under the skin, before each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Do not inject into an area of skin that is tender, red, bruised, hard, or has scars or stretch marks. Recommended injection sites include the upper arms, abdomen, front of the middle thighs, or upper outer area of the buttocks. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Blood tests should be done often to check how well this medication is working and to decide the correct dose for you. Consult your doctor for more details. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day(s) of the week as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. 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.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, body aches, cough, or injection site irritation/pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Epoetin alfa-epbx may sometimes cause or worsen high blood pressure, especially in patients with long-term kidney failure. This effect may be caused by the number of red blood cells increasing too quickly, usually within the first 3 months of starting treatment. If you have high blood pressure, it should be well controlled before beginning treatment with this medication. Your blood pressure should be checked often. Ask your doctor if you should learn how to check your own blood pressure. If high blood pressure develops or worsens, follow your doctor's instructions about diet changes and starting or adjusting your high blood pressure medication. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and further kidney problems. Keep all lab appointments to have your red blood cell count/hemoglobin level tested regularly to reduce the chance of this side effect. Rarely, this medication may suddenly stop working well after a period of time because your body may make antibodies to it. A very serious anemia can result. Tell your doctor right away if symptoms of anemia return (such as increased tiredness, low energy, pale skin color, shortness of breath). Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures. This medication may rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the legs or lungs). You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you are severely dehydrated, or have a history of blood clots, heart/blood vessel disease, heart failure, stroke, pregnant, or if you are immobile (such as on very long plane flights or being bedridden). If you use estrogen-containing products, these may also increase your risk. Before using this medication, if you have any of these conditions report them to your doctor or pharmacist. Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, blood clots in your hemodialysis vascular access site. 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. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using epoetin alfa-epbx, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to epoetin alfa; or to other drugs that cause more red blood cells to be made (such as darbepoetin alfa); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, heart disease (such as heart failure, past heart attack/stroke), seizure disorder, severe anemia caused by antibodies to past erythropoietin-type treatment (pure red cell aplasia). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication contains phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid phenylalanine (or aspartame) in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Epoetin alfa-epbx is very similar to epoetin alfa. Do not use epoetin alfa while using epoetin alfa-epbx.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for EPOETIN ALFA-EPBX - INJECTION

Epoetin Alfa-EPBX is a medication that is used to treat anemia caused by certain medical conditions (such as kidney disease, cancer, or HIV) or medications (such as chemotherapy or zidovudine). It is a man-made form of erythropoietin, a hormone that aids in the production of red blood cells in the body.

Epoetin Alfa-EPBX is usually administered as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous). The specific dosing and administration instructions will be determined by your healthcare provider.

Some common side effects of Epoetin Alfa-EPBX include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, joint pain, or swelling. It is important to inform your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

The effects of Epoetin Alfa-EPBX may vary depending on the individual and their specific condition. Some patients may start to notice an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting the medication, while others may require a longer duration of treatment.

Yes, Epoetin Alfa-EPBX can be self-administered at home, but only if you have received training from your healthcare provider on the proper technique of administration. It is important to follow the instructions provided and to dispose of needles and syringes safely.

Yes, Epoetin Alfa-EPBX comes with certain precautions and warnings. It should not be used if you have a history of allergic reactions to erythropoietin or if you have high blood pressure that is not controlled. It is important to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before starting Epoetin Alfa-EPBX.

Yes, Epoetin Alfa-EPBX may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or cyclosporine. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

The frequency of Epoetin Alfa-EPBX injections will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your specific condition and response to treatment. It may be administered once a week or less frequently.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Epoetin Alfa-EPBX. There may be possible risks to the fetus or infant, and alternative treatments may be considered.


Warning

WARNING: Discuss the risks and benefits of epoetin alfa-epbx with your doctor, as this medication may rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) side effects, including blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. It is very important to keep all lab appointments since your doctor will need to carefully check your red blood cell count and hemoglobin level. The lowest effective dose of this medication should be used. When used to treat anemia related to cancer, this medication may also increase the risk of death and/or cause your tumor to grow faster. This medication should be stopped after completing a treatment course of chemotherapy as directed by your doctor.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.