Epoetin Alfa

Uses	Anaemia in individuals with kidney disease and adults who are undergoing cancer chemotherapy.
Therapy	Haematinics
Side Effects	Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, injection site reactions

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Molecule Description

Epoetin Alfa is a recombinant human erythropoietin. It is used mainly for the treatment of anaemia due to kidney problems or in the treatment of cancer. Do not use this medicine if you have a history of an allergy or any other bone marrow problems. Inform your doctor if you are suffering from high blood pressure or have a history of other heart problems. Do not take this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Uses

For the treatment of anaemia due to kidney diseases & in adults who are receiving cancer treatment.

Contraindications

When should one not use Epoetin Alfa

If you are having a history of allergy (rashes, itching, skin redness, swelling of lips, eyes, difficulty in breathing or swallowing) to any of the contents of this medicine.
If you have red cell aplasia (a condition in which bone marrow cannot produce enough red blood cells).
If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
If you are due for major orthopaedic surgery (hip or knee) and you have severe heart disease, diseases of veins and arteries, recently had a heart attack or stroke, or cannot take medicines to thin the blood.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Stuffy nose
Sore throat
Headache
Injection site reaction

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

There is limited information on the effect of Epoetin Alfa in pregnancy. This medicine should be used in pregnancy only if your doctor recommends it after assessing the need and the risk.

Breast Feeding

No information is available if Epoetin Alfa passes into human breast milk. This medicine may be used in breastfeeding women if recommended by the doctor.

Driving

There is no information on the effect of Epoetin Alfa on driving ability.

Alcohol

Although there is no known interaction between alcohol and this medicine, it is essential to consult your physician if you have a habit of consuming alcohol regularly.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have heart, liver or kidney disease.
You have diabetes or are overweight.
You are suffering from cancer.
You are bedridden long time due to surgery or illness.
You have or had high blood pressure, seizures/fits, low red blood cell count or a blood disorder called porphyria.
You have hepatitis C and are taking medicines for it like ribavirin and interferon.
You develop symptoms like red spots and ulcers of the mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes after taking this medicine.
You have or had blood clots in the veins of the body, arteries of the lungs or reduced/stopped blood supply to the brain.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Epoetin alfa promotes the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow, which increases the red blood cell count in the body.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Some medicines may affect the way Epoetin Alfa works or this medicine itself may affect the working of some medicines.
Talk to your doctor, particularly if you are taking cyclosporin (used for the treatment of organ transplantation), iron supplements and other blood stimulating medicines.
Tell your doctor about any of the other medicines you are taking, which includes medicines without prescription and herbal medicines as well, as these medicines may alter the effectiveness of Epoetin Alfa or increase the chances of side effects.

Dosage

Overdose

Epoetin Alfa is given by a healthcare professional, so it is unlikely that you will be given too much of this medicine. If you think you have been given too much medicine, tell your doctor. You may experience side effects if you have been injected too much of this medicine.

Missed a Dose

The doctor or nurse usually gives Epoetin Alfa in the hospital or clinic. Therefore, the chances of missing a dose are less. However, if you feel that a dose has been missed, please inform your doctor and nurse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Epoetin Alfa is used for the treatment of anaemia in individuals with kidney disease and adults who are undergoing cancer chemotherapy.

Epoetin Alfa is a recombinant human erythropoietin. It is a kind of protein that stimulates the bone marrow to produce blood cells, especially red blood cells. Thus, it relieves symptoms associated with anaemia which may be due to kidney problems or cancer treatment.