Epoetin alpha is a drug to treat anemia in patients with chronic renal failure, HIV/AIDS patients taking zidovudine, or patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Epoetin alpha belongs to the class drug erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ONE). This drug works by triggering the bone marrow to produce blood cells. The way it works is similar to the natural hormone erythropoietin in the body.
By increasing the number of blood cells produced, anemia can be overcome and the need for blood transfusions can also be reduced.
trademark epoetin alfa: Epodion, Eprex 2000, Eprex 4000, Eprex 10000, Hemapo, Prrex 40000, Renogen, Recormon 5000
What is Epoetin Alfa
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ONE) |
| Benefit | Treating anemia in patients with chronic renal failure, HIV/AIDS patients taking zidovudine, or undergoing chemotherapy |
| Used by | Mature |
| Epoetin alfa for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Epoetin alfa is not yet known whether it can be absorbed through breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Epoetin Alfa
Epoetin alfa should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before using epoetin alfa:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Epoetin alfa should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have uncontrolled hypertension or are at risk for a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. Epoetin alfa should not be used by these patients, because it can increase the risk of serious side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you have pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) after treatment with drugs similar to erythropoietin. Epoetin alfa should not be used by these patients.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had heart disease, seizures, phenylketonuria (PKU), kidney disease, cancer, or are on dialysis.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an overdose, allergic reaction to a drug, or a more serious side effect after using epoetin alfa.
Dosage and Rules of Use Epoetin Alfa
Epoetin alfa injection is given into a vein (intravenous/IV) or under the skin (subcutaneously/SC) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
The dose of epoetin alfa will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition. The following is the distribution of epoetin alfa doses:
- Purpose: Treating anemia in patients with chronic renal failure
The initial dose is 50 IU/kg, 3 times a week. Treatment is given by IV injection over at least 1–5 minutes. The dose may be increased in increments of 25 IU/kg every 4 weeks.
- Purpose: Treating anemia in HIV patients taking zidovudine
The initial dose is 100 IU/kg, 3 times a week. Treatment is given by SC/IV injection for 8 weeks. The dose can be increased by 50–100 IU/kg, 3 times a week with a treatment interval of 4–8 weeks according to the patient's response.
- Purpose: Treating anemia in patients undergoing chemotherapy
The initial dose is 150 IU/kg, 3 times a week or 450 IU/kg, once a week. The dose may be increased to 60,000 IU, once weekly after 4 weeks of treatment.
- Purpose: Reducing the need for blood transfusions in certain surgeries
The dose is 600 IU/kgBW, once a week. Treatment was started 3 weeks before surgery with the 4th dose given on the day of surgery. Or 300 IU/kgBB every day. Treatment was started 10 days before surgery and 4 days postoperatively.
How to Use Epoetin Alfa Correctly
Epoetin alfa should only be injected by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital. Follow the suggestions and recommendations during therapy using epoetin alfa.
Make sure to do the control according to the schedule given by the doctor. While undergoing treatment with epoetin alfa, you will need to have regular health and laboratory examinations.
Do not stop taking epoetin alfa treatment without consulting your doctor first. Stopping the drug suddenly can make the condition more difficult to treat.
Epoetin Alfa Interaction with Other Drugs
There are several drug interaction effects that can occur when epoetin alfa is used with certain drugs, namely:
- Increased risk of developing blood clots that can block blood vessels if carfilzomib, lenlidomide, pomalidomide, or thalidomide are used
- Increased effectiveness of epoetin alfa when used with methyltestosterone
- Increased levels of ciclosporin in the blood
Side Effects and Dangers of Epoetin Alfa
Side effects that may arise after using epoetin alfa are:
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cough
- Joint or muscle pain
- Irritation, redness, or pain at the injection site
Check with your doctor if the side effects above continue or get worse. This medicine can also increase the risk of forming blood clots that can block blood vessels, see a doctor immediately if you have the following conditions:
- A heart attack that can be characterized by symptoms such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat, or fainting
- Blockage in the leg veins which can be characterized by symptoms such as pain, swelling, or a warm feeling in the thigh or calf
- Stroke which can be characterized by symptoms in the form of weakness on one side of the body, speech suddenly becomes unclear, very severe headache
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or symptoms of heart failure, including unusual tiredness, severe shortness of breath, and swelling of the hands or feet.
