Erythropoietin Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Erythropoietin Injection (epoetin alfa) is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent given by injection to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, HIV medicines, or before surgery. It works by copying the body's natural erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow. It must be administered by a qualified medical practitioner and used exactly as prescribed.

What is Erythropoietin Injection

Erythropoietin is a medicine that copies the action of a natural body protein called erythropoietin, which tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells. It is given as an injection by a healthcare professional to treat anemia caused by certain health conditions.

Erythropoietin Injection uses

• Anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease
• Anaemia associated with chemotherapy
• Before surgery
• Anaemia caused by HIV medicines

Benefits of Erythropoietin Injection

• Helps correct anemia and reduce the need for blood transfusions
• Can improve quality of life and physical performance in people with chronic kidney disease
• May reduce the amount of blood transfusion needed around the time of surgery

How Erythropoietin Injection works

The medicine works like the body's own erythropoietin: it attaches to receptors on cells in the bone marrow, switching on signals that tell the marrow to make more red blood cells.

Erythropoietin Injection dosage

This medicine is given by a qualified medical practitioner, so do not give it to yourself. Your doctor will decide the right dose and how long you need treatment based on your condition. Do not stop this medicine suddenly, as it may make your condition worse.

Available forms and strengths

• Injection

Side effects of Erythropoietin Injection

Common

• Difficulty sleeping
• Itching or rash
• Blood vessel blockage
• Mouth pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Bone pain
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Flu-like symptoms that usually go away within a day

Serious

• Allergic and anaphylactic reactions
• Seizures
• High potassium levels in the blood (rare)
• Blood thickening (hyperviscosity)
• Blood clots (thrombosis)
• High blood pressure
• Possible worsening of cancer growth
• Pure red cell aplasia, a severe form of anemia

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to it.
• Do not use this medicine if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, as it may make your condition worse.
• Do not use this medicine if you have pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), a condition where the bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, as it may worsen the condition.
• Use with caution if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of stroke, blood clots, seizures, or phenylketonuria, since the medicine can worsen these conditions.
• This medicine is not recommended for children under 5 years old because its safety and effectiveness have not been proven in that age group.
• This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy because of a higher risk of harm to the baby. Talk to your doctor before taking it.
• This medicine is not recommended while breastfeeding because of a higher risk of side effects for the baby. Talk to your doctor before taking it.
• If you have kidney disease, this medicine should be used carefully because it can worsen your condition. Your doctor may order tests to check your kidney function during treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you have any existing liver problems before using this medicine.
• It isn't known how this medicine interacts with alcohol, so check with your doctor before drinking.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while on this medicine, as it can cause dizziness or fainting.

Storage

• Store at 2–8°C.
• Do not freeze.
• Protect from light.
• Do not shake.
• Keep in the original packaging.

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you have a serious allergic reaction, such as severe whole-body allergic reaction, swelling under the skin, tight airways making it hard to breathe, skin rash, or hives.

Alternatives

• Epoetin Beta Injection
• Epoetin Zeta Injection
• Epoetin Alfa Injection