Procrit Side Effects
Numerous side effects are associated with using Procrit, including body aches, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, flu-like symptoms, mild headache, nausea, pain or tenderness at the injection site, sore throat, and vomiting.
Procrit is also associated with a variety of potentially life-threatening conditions, including allergic reactions, blood clots, expedited growth of cancerous tumors, heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke.
Some signs that heart or circulation problems have developed include chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling or pain in one or both legs, sudden balance problems, confusion, headache, vision problems, speech problems, weakness, or numbness.
Signs of an allergic reaction to Procrit include fainting, increase in blood pressure, lightheadedness, seizure, shortness of breath, and swelling in the feet or ankles.
Since Procrit is made with human plasma, the drug can also potentially contain viruses as well as other disease-causing infectious agents. Although the plasma is screened and treated before being used to make the medication, there is always a risk associated with any medication derived from human blood. It is also possible for the medication to stop working, despite being used properly. In this case, the person using the medication may show signs of lightheadedness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and weakness.
Due to the number of potential side effects and risks associated with the drug, patients are advised to discuss the benefits versus the risks of taking Procrit with their doctors before taking the drug.
Things to Know, Precautions, Things to Ask Your Physician:
Epoetin alfa is derived from human plasma and could contain viruses or other infectious diseases; there is a small chance Procrit could transmit disease, so talk with your doctor about the possible risks involved.
If self-administering injections of Procrit, do not shake the medication vial, as this can ruin the medicine. Do not draw up a dose until you are ready to give the injection. Look for any particles or a change in color in the vial; do not use if you notice a change and call your doctor for a new prescription.
Before using Procrit, talk to your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, a blood cell or clotting disorder (sickle cell anemia or hemophilia), epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or a history of stroke, heart attack or blood clots.
Regular check-ups with your doctor will be necessary while using Procrit in order to safely monitor red blood cell levels and blood pressure.
Store Procrit vials in the refrigerator and do not allow them to freeze.
What to Avoid When Taking the Drug:
Until you know how Procrit will affect your body, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know if you experience side effects of drowsiness or impaired thinking.
Other Interactions that May Affect the Drug:
Procrit 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.
Procrit 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.
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