What is the drug Epogen used for?

This medication is used to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) in people with long-term serious kidney disease (chronic kidney failure), people receiving zidovudine to treat HIV, and people receiving chemotherapy for some types of cancer (cancer that does not involve the bone marrow or blood cells).

What is the generic name for Epogen?

Procrit and Epogen are the trade names for epoetin alfa. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade names Procrit or Epogen when referring to the generic drug name epoetin alfa. Drug Type: Epoetin alfa is a colony stimulating factor.

What is Epoetin injection used for?

If the body does not produce enough EPO, severe anemia can occur. This often occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease whose kidneys are not working properly. Epoetin is used to treat severe anemia in patients on kidney dialysis or for those not on dialysis.

How often can Epogen be given?

This medication is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times a week. Patients getting this medication before surgery may have a special dosing schedule. Hemodialysis patients should receive this medication by injection into a vein.

Is PROCRIT and Epogen the same?

Epogen and Procrit are both epoetin alfa, but they are marketed by two different pharmaceutical companies. The FDA approved epoetin alfa in June 1989.

What is the best time to inject epoetin?

Typically we give it when returning a dialysis patient, but most doctors say it is fine to inject EPO 20 to 25 minutes before dialysis patient termination by saying it is a protein.

Where do you inject epoetin?

Epoetin alfa injection products come as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin) or intravenously (into a vein). It is usually injected one to three times weekly.

When should I not take Epogen?

You may need to stop taking Epogen. Serious allergic reactions. Serious allergic reactions can cause a skin rash, itching, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness and fainting because of a drop in blood pressure, swelling around your mouth or eyes, fast pulse, or sweating.

What happens if you give too much Epogen?

You may need to stop Epogen if this occurs. serious allergic reactions. Serious allergic reactions can cause a rash over your whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, and fainting from a drop in blood pressure, swelling around your mouth or eyes, fast pulse, or sweating.

How long does it take for an injection of Epogen take to work?

It takes time for your body to make new red blood cells and raise your hemoglobin (Hb) level. With EPOGEN® treatment, Hb levels usually increase in 2 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will test your blood regularly—at least weekly at the beginning of your treatment—to make sure EPOGEN® is working.

Does Epogen stimulate bone marrow?

About: Epoetin Alfa (Procrit®, Epogen®) In our bodies, a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin level causes the kidneys to release a protein called erythropoietin, which in turn stimulates the bone marrow to make more red blood cells.

How do athletes abuse erythropoietin?

By injecting EPO, athletes aim to increase the number of red blood cells and, consequently, their aerobic capacity. If EPO levels are too high the body will produce too many red blood cells which can thicken the blood, leading to clotting, heart attack and stroke.