Epoetin general information

Eprex is a popular medicine that is also known as Epoetin. Epoetin (eh-POH-ee-tin) is a man-made version of human erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is produced naturally in the body, mostly by the kidneys. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. If the body does not produce enough EPO, severe anemia can occur. This often occurs in people whose kidneys are not working properly. Epoetin is used to treat severe anemia in these people.

Epoetin may also be used to prevent or treat anemia caused by other conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, or surgery, as determined by your doctor.

Epoetin dosage and administration

Epoetin is usually given by a health care professional after a dialysis treatment. However, medicines given by injection are sometimes used at home. If you will be using epoetin at home, your health care professional will teach you how the injections are to be given. You will also have a chance to practice giving them. Be certain that you understand exactly how the medicine is to be injected.

Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Dosing—The dose of epoetin will be different for different patients.Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of epoetin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For injection dosage form:For severe anemia:

• Adults and teenagers—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Epoetin is injected into a vein or under the skin. How often you take this medicine must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose to determine the best dose for you.

Epoetin side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted
effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

More common-in any treatment group

Chest pain; shortness of breath

Less common-in any treatment group

Anxiety ; blurred vision ; convulsions (seizures); cough ; dizziness or lightheadedness; fainting ; fast heartbeat ; nausea ; pain ordiscomfort in arms, jaw, back or neck; pains in chest, groin, or legs,
especially calves of legs ; severe headaches of sudden onset; sudden
loss of coordination ; sudden and severe inability to speak ; slurred
speech ; sudden vision changes; sweating ; temporary blindness;
vomiting; weakness in arm and/or leg on one side of the body, sudden
and severe

More common—for patients being treated for anemia due to chronic kidney failure

Fever; headache; increased blood pressure; swelling of face, fingers, ankles, feet, or lower legs; vision problems; weight gain

Rare—for patients being treated for anemia due to chronic kidney failure

Changes in skin color; changes in vision; double vision; migraine headache; pain, tenderness, swelling of foot or leg; pale skin; partial or complete loss of vision in eye; skin rash or hives; sore throat;
tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent
superficial veins over affected area; unusual bleeding or bruising;
unusual tiredness or weakness