Epogen
Generic Name:
Epoetin Alfa
Brand Names:
Epogen, Procrit
Epogen Description:
Epogen is a manmade protein designed to assist the body with the production of red blood cells. It is generally prescribed to treat anemia, a condition that develops when the body fails to produce enough red blood cells, though it may be prescribed for other uses as well. Although Epogen can be beneficial for those suffering from anemia due to chronic renal failure, chemotherapy, and other conditions, the drug is associated with a variety of potentially serious or even fatal side effects that should be discussed with a doctor before beginning treatment.
Epogen Side Effects:
The following side effects have been associated with Epogen:
- Heart attack
- Cancerous tumor growth
- Constipation
- Headache
- Allergic reaction
- Stroke
For more information, see our Epogen side effects page.
Epogen Uses:
Epogen is primarily used to treat patients suffering from anemia that is associated with chronic renal failure, including those who are on dialysis. For those not on dialysis, hemoglobin levels should be less than 10 g/dL in order to be considered for treatment with Epogen.
Epogen is also used to treat anemia in HIV-infected patients being treated with Zidovudine. Epogen can elevate and maintain red blood cell levels while also decreasing the need for HIV-infected patients to undergo blood transfusions. It is not to be used, however, by HIV-infected patients who are suffering from anemia due to folate or iron deficiencies, gastrointestinal bleeding, or hemolysis.
Epogen can treat anemia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, reducing the need for certain cancer patients to receive red blood cell transfusions. It is not to be used by patients receiving certain types of cancer therapies, however, as Epogen has been shown to increase mortality and the risk of tumors recurring or progressing.
Epogen may also treat anemia in patients who are at risk for experiencing perioperative blood loss during nonvascular, noncardiac, elective surgery. This reduces the need for allogenic blood transfusions.
Although Epogen helps to elevate and to maintain red blood cell levels, it is not intended to be used by patients with severe anemia that is in need of immediate correction. Before treatment with Epogen begins, the patient's iron stores are to be evaluated and the ferritin levels should be at least 100 ng/mL, with the transferring saturation at least 20 percent.
Epogen Interactions:
Epogen is not for people with known allergies to epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp), uncontrolled high blood pressure, an allergy to animal products, or an allergy to albumin.
Epogen may interact with remission time in cancer patients being treated with radiation. Survival time could be shortened in people with breast cancer, head/neck cancer, cervical cancer, lymphoid cancer, or non-small cell lung cancer.
Epogen Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Epogen is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. Dosages vary from 2,000U/mL to 40,000U/mL, and a multi-dose vial of 20,000U/2mL, depending on condition. Do not self-inject Epogen unless you have been show the proper procedure.
Missing a Dose of Epogen
Talk to your doctor if you miss a dose of Epogen.
Epogen Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you believe you have overdosed. Symptoms of overdose include headache, dizziness, vision problems, shortness of breath, flushing, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, or itching (especially after bathing).
Epogen FDA Approval:
June 1, 1989
Epogen Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
A recall was issued in January 2010 for several vials of Epogen. (Recall # D-283-2010 – D-289-2010)
In March of 2007, a Black Box warning was placed on Epogen to warn consumers and healthcare professionals of the risks of tumor progression or recurrence, serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic events, and increased mortality associated with the medication. In patients with cancer, drugs like Epogen shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers. The warning states that the lowest dose needed should be used, and it is only for use in cancer patients with anemia due to concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy. After chemotherapy ends, the treatment using Epogen should be stopped.
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