Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa or epoietin alfa is a medication used for treating anaemia due to chronic disease conditions. It was approved for its medical use in 1989.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. Saumil Patel; Jayesh B. Patel, Epoetin Alfa, Statpearls [Internet], [Revised on 15th May 2022] [Accessed on 9th Aug 2022], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554547/
2. Janssen-Cilag Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Mar 2021] [Accessed on 9th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3443.pdf
3. Amgen Inc., US Food & drug Administration, [Revised on Sep 2017] [Accessed on 9th Aug 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/103234s5363s5366lbl.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.