Uses of undefined

Epoietin Alfa Injection has been developed to treat anaemia due to chronic health conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis and a bone marrow disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome. Patients receiving chemotherapy for bone marrow cancer, zidovudine therapy for HIV and those about to undergo bone surgery will require epoietin alfa injection to avoid the need for blood transfusion.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa Injection is available in the doses of o 2,000 Units/mL, 3,000 Units/mL, 4,000 Units/mL, and 10,000 Units/mL in single-dose vials. A healthcare professional will administer Epoietin Alfa Injection into the vein or under the skin. The dose of Epoietin alfa Injection depends on your bodyweight in kilograms and the cause of anaemia. For children and adults with anaemia due to chronic kidney disease, the usual starting dose is 50 IU per kilogram of body weight three times a week. For people undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment, the frequency is two times a week. 

The starting dose for anaemia due to chemotherapy is 150IU per kilogram of body weight thrice a week or 450IU per kilogram body weight once a week. The recommended dose for those undergoing bone surgery is 600IU per kg bodyweight once a week and 450IU per kg bodyweight for those with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience allergies, ulcer, fever or flu-like symptoms during this treatment. During the Epoietin Alfa Injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood pressure to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of high blood pressure, seizure, liver disease, anaemia from other causes, porphyria. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience allergies or fever during this treatment.

Precautions

It is not known if Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa interferes with pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, tell your physician if you get pregnant before or during this treatment.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Epoietin Alfa Injection are hypertension, joint pain, muscle spasm, fever, dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, rash, irritation at injection site, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, bone pain, weight loss, depression, loss of appetite, blood clot formation, headache and chills. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you experience allergic reactions, fever, ulcers of the nose, mouth, throat or genitals.

Word Of Advice

If you feel dizziness or any visual disturbances, you should avoid driving or handling machines. To prevent mouth ulcer, it is advised to rinse your mouth thrice daily. Apply cool compress at the injection site to reduce irritation.

Frequently Asked Question

• Is Epoietin Alfa Injection used as a standalone treatment in cancers?
• Epoietin Alfa Injection is a recombinant monoclonal antibody that belongs to the immunotherapy class of cancer treatment. It can either be used as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy medications to improve the overall survival rate.

• Is it safe for women to use Epoietin Alfa Injection?
• While it is unknown whether Epoietin Alfa Injection interferes with pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is advisable for women with reproductive potential and breastfeeding mothers to discuss with their healthcare providers before starting their treatment.

• Is it safe to undergo a surgery during the treatment with Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa Injection?
• Epoietin Alfa Injection is associated with increased risk of bleeding complications and poor wound healing. Hence it is suggested to avoid planning for surgery and maintain an interval of 28days before or after surgery.

• Do the side effects of Epoietin Alfa Injection last for a chronic period?
• All the side effects that are relatively caused by Epoietin Alfa Injection occur until the drug concentration stays in the body. It is found that this medicine will be contained in our body for almost 4 months after the final dose. 

• How is Epoietin Alfa Injection administered?
• Epoietin Alfa Injection is given intravenously through infusion and the amount of drug will be measured based on the patient’s body weight, height and age.  The first dose will be administered for 90 minutes and if well tolerated the infusion time can be reduced to 30 minutes.

• Who should not use Epoietin Alfa Injection?
• People who are allergic to epoietin alfa or its ingredients, people with uncontrolled hypertension and pure red cell aplasia should avoid using epoietin alfa injection.

• What should you know before starting Epoietin Alfa Injection?
• It is essential to know that your healthcare provider will periodically monitor your blood pressure. you should also check your blood pressure regularly at home and report to your physician immediately if you notice abnormal values.

• What blood tests are required during Epoietin alfa treatment?
• Haemoglobin and haematocrit are the two most important blood tests that will be suggested by your doctor during this treatment.

• When should you not take Epoietin alfa injection?
• If your haemoglobin level exceeds 12g/dl, your healthcare provider might advise to stop the treatment for a while.

• What are the side effects of taking Epoietin Alfa injection?
• Hypertension, joint pain, muscle spasm, fever, dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, rash, irritation at injection site, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, bone pain, weight loss, depression, loss of appetite, blood clot formation, headache and chills are the most common side effects of Epoietin Alfa Injection.

• 6. Who should avoid Epoietin Alfa Injection?
• People who are allergic to erythropoietin or some of its ingredients should avoid this injection. If you experience any allergies during this treatment, your physician will suggest to discontinue the medication.

• 7. When should you contact your doctor?
• Reach out to your doctor immediately if you experience allergies, ulcer, fever or flu-like symptoms during this treatment.