home > drugs a-z list > epogen (epoetin alfa) drug center > epogen (epoetin alfa) drug - overdosage and contraindications

Recommended Topic Related To:

Epogen

Human Immunodeficiency Virus »

HIV facts

  • The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
  • HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
  • Three stages of HIV infection have been described.
    1. The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
    2. The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
    3. The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

Read the Human Immunodeficiency Virus article »

Epogen

font size

OVERDOSE

Epogen overdosage can cause hemoglobin levels above the desired level, which should be managed with discontinuation or reduction of Epogen dosage and/or with phlebotomy, as clinically indicated [see Pharmacodynamics]. Cases of severe hypertension have been observed following overdose with ESAs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Epogen is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Uncontrolled hypertension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with Epogen or other erythropoietin protein drugs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Serious allergic reactions to Epogen [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Epogen from multidose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated in:

  • Neonates, infants, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Benzyl alcohol has been associated with serious adverse events and death, particularly in pediatric patients. When therapy with Epogen is needed in neonates and infants, use single-dose vials; do not admix with bacteriostatic saline containing benzyl alcohol [see Use In Specific Populations].

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/30/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Additional Epogen Information

Epogen - User Reviews

Epogen User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Epogen sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

See User Reviews

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Privacy Policy

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.


From WebMD

Healthy Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors