What is this medicine?
EPOETIN ALFA (e POE e tin AL fa) helps your body make more red blood cells. This medicine is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney failure, cancer chemotherapy, or HIV-therapy. It may also be used before surgery if you have anemia.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Epogen 10000UNIT/ML Solution | AMGEN | 10/$1316.51 or 30/$3872.68 |
| Epogen 10000UNIT/ML Solution | AMGEN | 2/$278.48 or 6/$813.14 |
| Epogen 2000UNIT/ML Solution | AMGEN | 1/$37.46 or 3/$107.17 |
| Epogen 20000UNIT/ML Solution | AMGEN | 10/$2625.2 or 30/$7666.62 |
| Epogen 3000UNIT/ML Solution | AMGEN | 1/$48.9 or 3/$131.09 |
| Epogen 4000UNIT/ML Solution | AMGEN | 1/$61.2 or 10/$540.66 |
| Epogen 40000UNIT/ML Solution | AMGEN | 10/$5456.14 or 30/$16145.07 |
| Procrit 10000UNIT/ML Solution | ORTHO BIOTECH | 2/$309.96 or 6/$909.96 |
| Procrit 10000UNIT/ML Solution | ORTHO BIOTECH | 6/$908.1 or 18/$2705.44 |
| Procrit 2000UNIT/ML Solution | ORTHO BIOTECH | 6/$191.89 or 18/$560.84 |
| Procrit 20000UNIT/ML Solution | ORTHO BIOTECH | 1/$323.1 or 3/$969.29 |
| Procrit 3000UNIT/ML Solution | ORTHO BIOTECH | 6/$287.83 or 18/$836.49 |
| Procrit 4000UNIT/ML Solution | ORTHO BIOTECH | 6/$381.61 or 18/$1121.68 |
| Procrit 40000UNIT/ML Solution | ORTHO BIOTECH | 4/$2510.83 or 8/$4940.79 |
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- changes in vision
- chest pain
- confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
- high blood pressure
- muscle aches or pains
- pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
- rapid weight gain
- severe headaches
- sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
- trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- seizures (convulsions)
- swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
- unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea
- fever, chills (flu-like symptoms)
- headaches
- nausea, vomiting
- redness, stinging, or swelling at site where injected
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a vein or under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
- Known sensitivity to mammalian cell-derived products.
- Known hypersensitivity to albumin human.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress and for the needed blood tests and blood pressure measurements. It is especially important for the doctor to make sure your hemoglobin level is in the desired range, to limit the risk of potential side effects and to give you the best benefit. Keep all appointments for any recommended tests. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.
As your body makes more red blood cells, you may need to take iron, folic acid, or vitamin B supplements. Ask your doctor or health care provider which products are right for you. If you have kidney disease continue dietary restrictions, even though this medication can make you feel better. Talk with your doctor or health care professional about the foods you eat and the vitamins that you take.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- blood clotting disorders
- cancer patient not on chemotherapy
- cystic fibrosis
- heart disease, such as angina or heart failure
- hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL or greater
- high blood pressure
- low levels of folate, iron, or vitamin B12
- seizures
- an unusual or allergic reaction to erythropoietin, albumin, benzyl alcohol, hamster proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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