Procrit (Epoetin Alfa) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Procrit

Anemia »

What is anemia?

Anemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count or hemoglobin is less than normal. The normal level of hemoglobin is generally different in males and females. For men, anemia is typically defined as hemoglobin level of less than 13.5 gram/100 ml and in women as hemoglobin of less than 12.0 gram/100 ml. These definitions may vary slightly depending on the source and the laboratory reference used.

What causes anemia?

Any process that can disrupt the normal life span of a red blood cell may cause anemia. Normal life span of a red blood cell is typically around 120 days. Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow.

Anemia is caused essentially through two basic pathways. Anemia is caused by either:

a decrease in production of red blood cells or hemoglobin, or
an increase in loss or destruction of red blood cells.

A more common classification of anemia (low hemo...

Read the Anemia article »

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Procrit Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using epoetin alfa (Procrit)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp), or if you have:

untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
an allergy to animal products; or
an allergy to albumin.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

heart disease, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure (hypertension);
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
a history of stroke, heart attack, or blood clots;
a blood cell or clotting disorder, such as sickle cell anemia or hemophilia;
cancer; or
epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use epoetin alfa.

Epoetin alfa is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether epoetin alfa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some women using epoetin alfa have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need to use birth control while you are using epoetin alfa.

Epoetin alfa may shorten remission time in some people with head and neck cancer who are also being treated with radiation. Epoetin alfa may also shorten survival time in certain people with breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, or lymphoid cancer. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

How should I use epoetin alfa (Procrit)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Epoetin alfa is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. With your medication you will receive patient instructions.

Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not draw your epoetin alfa dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Store epoetin alfa in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze.

To be sure this medication is helping your body produce red blood cells, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. You may also need to check your blood pressure during treatment. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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