Epoetin : Before Using - Epogen, Procrit, Eprex, human erythropoietin, recombinant, EPO, r-HuEPO

Epoetin - Systemic

Brand Names

Epogen, Procrit, Eprex, human erythropoietin, recombinant, EPO, r-HuEPO Epoetin *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects *** Additional Information

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For epoetin, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to epoetin or to human albumin. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Epoetin has not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems. However, it did cause problems, including unwanted effects on the bones and spine, in some animal studies.

Breast-feeding problem

It is not known whether epoetin passes into the breast milk. However, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Use for Children

This drug has been tested in child and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause various side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Elderly care

Epoetin has been given to elderly people. However, there is no special info about whether epoetin works the same way it does in adults people or whether it causes various side effects or problems in elderly people.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking epoetin, it is important that your health care professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription - over-the-counter "OTC " drug.

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of epoetin. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Aluminum poisoning

Blood clots - history of or other problems with the blood
Folic acid, iron, or vitamin B₁₂ deficiencies
Heart or blood vessel disease
High blood pressure The risk of side effects may be increased

Infection, inflammation, or cancer

Bone problems
Porphyrin - red blood cell pigment metabolism disorder Symptoms include change in color of urine, increased sun sensitivity, abdominal pain, and nerve swelling
Sickle cell anemia Epoetin may not work properly

Seizures - history of The risk of seizures may be increased