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What is Epogen
 Epogen
is a man-made form of a naturally occurring protein called
erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is produced in the kidney and
stimulates the production of red blood cells. The amount of
erythropoietin in the body may be diminished when the kidneys
are damaged. Medications may also decrease the number of red
blood cells.
Epogen
is used to treat anemia by stimulating red blood cell production.
Epogen
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Epogen
Do not give yourself an injection if you are not
sure how to inject yourself, how much to inject, and how
often to inject your medication. Call your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist for help with the instructions.
During
the first 3 months of treatment with Epogen, use caution
when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Epogen has been reported to cause seizures in
patients on dialysis, although this side effect is uncommon.
If seizures occur, they generally do so during the first
90 days of treatment.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Epogen
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- high blood pressure;
- heart disease;
- cancer; or
- epilepsy or another seizure
disorder.
You may not be able to use Epogen, or you
may require a lower dose or special monitoring if you have
any of the conditions listed above.
Epogen is in
the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether Epogen will harm an unborn baby. Do not use
this medication without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether Epogen
passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should you use Epogen Use Epogen exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Epogen may
be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously
(into a vein). Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give
you specific instructions on how and where to inject your
medication. Do not give yourself an injection if you are
not sure how to inject yourself, how much to inject, or
how often to inject your medication. Call your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist for help with the instructions.
Allow
the medication to reach room temperature before measuring
a dose.
Do not shake the vial of Epogen. Vigorous
shaking can ruin the medication.
Properly store and
discard all syringes and needles.
Store Epogen in
the refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees
Fahrenheit) away from light, moisture, and the reach of
children.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Epogen overdose are not known.
What should you avoid while using Epogen During the first 3 months of treatment with Epogen,
use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Epogen has been reported to
cause seizures in patients on dialysis, although this side
effect is uncommon. If seizures occur, they generally do
so during the first 90 days of treatment.
Possible side effects of Epogen If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop using Epogen and seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing
of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives); or
- seizures.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use
Epogen and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
increased blood pressure;
- headache;
- a
"flulike" feeling;
- increased heart rate;
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- numbness
or tingling;
- tiredness;
- muscle aches;
- a rash; or
- injection site discomfort.
Side effects other than those listed here may also
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Epogen
It
is not known whether Epogen will interact with other medicines.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
