Uses of Epoetin Alfa

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1. Uses of Epoetin Alfa

Epoetin alfa works by stimulating the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. In our bodies, a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the level of hemoglobin causes the kidneys to release a protein called erythropoietin, which in turn stimulates the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. Epoetin alfa is a man-made version of erythropoietin, which can also stimulate red blood cell production.
Epoetin alfa is used in the treatment of cancer, but it is not a cancer treatment but an adjuvant drug. Epoetin alfa is used to fight the effects of cancer and cancer treatments. Epoetin alfa may also be used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease.

2. Dosage and how to use Epoetin Alfa

Epoetin alfa is usually given as an injection under the skin, but can also be given intravenously. The actual dose of Epoetin alfa is based on your body size and will be determined by your doctor. You can get epoetin alfa at your clinic or self-administer it at home.
Usual adult dose of Epoetin alfa for zidovudine-associated anemia: Initial dose is 100 IU/kg subcutaneously or intravenously 3 times a week.
Usual adult dose of Epoetin alfa for chemotherapy-induced anemia:
Use an initial dose of 150 IU/kg subcutaneously 3 times a week or 40,000 IU subcutaneously once a week until complete into chemotherapy. Use Epoetin alfa in cancer chemotherapy patients when the hemoglobin is less than 10 g/dL, and if at least 2 more months of chemotherapy are planned. Use the lowest dose of epoetin alpha to avoid red blood cell transfusion. Usual adult dose of Epoetin alfa for anemia due to chronic renal failure: Use a dose of 50-100 IU/kg subcutaneously or intravenously 3 times per week.
Usual adult dose of Epoetin alfa for anemia before surgery:
Patient has a hemoglobin level between 10 - 13g/dL and is preparing for non-urgent, non-cardiac surgery, no vascular surgery to reduce blood transfusion requirements: Use a dose of 300IU/kg/day subcutaneously for 10 days before and on the day of surgery, and continue for 4 days after surgery for a total of 14 days of treatment. epoetin. Alternate dose: Use a dose of 600 IU/kg subcutaneously once a week (at 21, 14, and 7 days before surgery), adding a fourth dose on the day of surgery. The usual dose of Epoetin alfa for children with anemia caused by Zidovudine:
Infants and Children from 8 months to 17 years: Use a dose of 50-400IU/kg x 2-3 times/week. If a child does not respond to a dose of 300 IU/kg 3 times a week, it is not guaranteed that the child will be able to adapt to the higher dose. The usual dose of Epoetin alfa for children with anemia caused by chemotherapy:
Infants and children from 6 months to 18 years: Use a dose of 25-300IU/kg 3-7 times/week. Manufacturer's recommendations: Use intravenously, at a dose of 600 IU/kg weekly (not to exceed 40,000 IU/week); dose may be increased to 900 IU/kg per week (not to exceed 60,000 IU/week). Dose review Epoetin alfa for subcutaneous control has been shown to be effective at doses 30% to 50% lower than intravenous doses. Reduce dose by 25% when hemoglobin reaches levels necessary to avoid transfusion or increases by more than 1 g/dL in two weeks. Increase the dose of Epoetin alfa by 25% if the patient's response is inadequate and the hemoglobin level is kept as low as possible to avoid red blood cell transfusion. The usual dose of Epoetin alfa for children with anemia due to chronic renal failure:
Infants, children and adolescents use a starting dose of 50IU/kg, intravenously or subcutaneously, 3 times /week. Increase dose of Epoetin alfa by 25% if hemoglobin is below 10g/dL and has not increased by 1g/dL after 4 weeks of treatment if hemoglobin falls below 10g/dL. In patients on hemodialysis, the intravenous route should be used. Usual Pediatric Dose of Epoetin alfa for Anemia:
The safety and effectiveness of epoetin alfa in children with anemia have not been studied. However, the use of Epoetin alfa may be appropriate in some cases. Anemia due to preterm birth : Use a dose of about 500-1250 IU/kg/week divided into 2-5 doses; usually use a dose of 250 IU/kg/time x 3 times/week; supplement with treatment with oral iron 3-8 mg/kg/day.

3. Storing and handling Epoetin alfa

Do not shake or freeze Epoetin alfa. Store the vial in the refrigerator and protect from light. Keep Epoetin alfa vials out of the reach of children.
Do not reuse single dose vials, syringes or needles. Do not dispose of vials, syringes, or needles in the household trash. Discard all used needles and syringes in a disposable container with a lid.

4. Possible side effects of Epoetin Alfa

Some of the most common or important side effects of Epoetin alfa are:
Blood clots, heart attack and stroke: Epoetin alfa may increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. If you experience symptoms of these problems, you should contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. Symptoms may include: Swelling, redness, or pain in a limb, cold or pale arm or leg, pain or pressure in the chest, pain in the arm, back, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion, or changes in mental status. Risk of tumor progression: Studies of the drug Epoetin alfa have found that it can make some tumors grow faster or cause people to die sooner from cancer. Therefore, the lowest possible dose of Epoetin alfa will be used to avoid red blood cell transfusion. Epoetin alfa should only be used in patients being treated for cancer causing anemia. It should be discontinued after completion of chemotherapy. You will be monitored for tumor progression during treatment. Nausea and/or vomiting: Talk to your doctor so they can prescribe medication to help you control nausea and vomiting. In addition, dietary changes can help you improve this condition. Avoid foods that are high in fat/fat, certain spices or acidic foods (such as lemons, tomatoes, oranges). Hypertension: Epoetin alfa may cause an increase in blood pressure. Patients should have their blood pressure checked regularly during treatment. Any hypertension should be treated appropriately. If hypertension cannot be controlled, Epoetin alfa can be discontinued. Allergic reactions: In some cases, patients may be allergic to Epoetin alfa. Signs of a reaction may include: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, rash, flushing or itching, or a drop in blood pressure. If you notice any changes in how you feel during the injection/infusion, tell your nurse right away. Develop antibodies against erythropoietin: A very rare side effect is your body's ability to make antibodies against erythropoietin. These antibodies can block or reduce the body's ability to make red blood cells, causing severe anemia. Symptoms of severe anemia include: fatigue, lack of energy and/or shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor. Convulsions: Increased risk of seizures in patients taking Epoetin alfa for kidney disease. Notify your doctor if you have any symptoms of a seizure including confusion, uncontrollable muscle movements, rapid eye movements, loss of consciousness, and a strange taste in your mouth. Stevens Johnson syndrome: This is a rare, but serious, allergic reaction that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It usually begins as a painful rash or blisters and can progress to severe skin damage and, in some cases, death. It is important that you report any rash to your doctor right away. Reproductive concerns: Exposing an unborn baby to Epoetin alfa can cause birth defects, so you should not become pregnant or father a child while taking this medicine. Effective birth control is required during treatment with Epoetin alfa. Epoetin Alfa is a medicine used to treat anemia of various causes. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and avoid unwanted side effects, patients need to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor, professional pharmacist.
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