EPOGEN
17 Aug 2019
Generic Name : EPOETIN ALFA
ABSTRACT –
Epogen is a kind of artificial protein that helps to build red blood cells in the body. It is used to treat patients having anemia due to long medical conditions like severe kidney problems resulting in kidney failure, patients being treated for HIV with zidovudine, cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy sessions and experiencing a low count of red blood cell. The medication is also used in anemic patients who are to undergo serious planned surgeries having the risk of high blood loss. It is done to prevent the need for blood transfusions and the drug is given along with a blood thinner medicine like warfrain to decrease the risk of blood clotting. This medication works by signaling the bone marrow for producing more red blood cells.
DOSAGE –
-
- Epogen has to be taken as directed by the doctors.
- Adult dosage:
Injection solution- 50 to 100 units/kg IV 3 times a week
-
- Pediatric dosage:
Injection solution- 50 units/kg IV 3 times a week
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Black, tarry stools
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Increased hunger
- Body pain
- Chills
- Increased thirst
- Nervousness
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Painful or difficult urination
- Stomach pain
- Swollen glands
RARE SIDE EFFECTS:
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Faintness
- Irregular heartbeats
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Decreased urine
- Numbness in the lips, hands and feet
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Carfilzomib
- Lenalidomide
- Pomalidomide
- Thalidomide
Epogen has major interactions with 4 different drugs.
MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Conestat alfa
- Cyclosporine
- C1 Esterase Inhibitor (human)
Epogen has moderate interactions with 3 different drugs.
PRECAUTIONS –
- This drug contains inactive ingredients which may result in allergic reactions. So a pharmacist must be consulted before consuming it.
- It is utmost necessary to discuss any medical history related to seizures, high blood pressure, heart disease, bleeding problems, and family history of anemia.
- Some preparations of this drug are made from human blood so it has the risk of causing infections like hepatitis or viruses. Immediate consultation with the doctor is required.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION WITH EPOGEN:
- Use of Epogen in pregnancy may be acceptable only if the benefits exceed the risks involved. However, the use is to be avoided in pregnant surgical women undergoing an autologous blood predonation program.
- Studies in animal pregnancy have shown adverse effects on fetus. But no adequate studies have been found in humans to access the damage involved.
- The drug contains benzyl alcohol preparations which bear risk of adverse side effects and even death in infants and fetus.
- It is not known if Epogen transfers into breast milk. Preferably precautions must be taken during breast feeding.
- Lactating women are not recommended to breast feed for at least 2 weeks from the last dose of this medication.
WARNINGS –
- Females who get pregnant while this drug is being treated on them should immediately enroll themselves in Amgen’s Pregnancy Surveillance Program.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.