Eprex

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Eprex (Erythropoietin-human).

Blood clots: It has been identified in clinical trials that cancer patients who are treated with epoetin alfa to raise their hemoglobin beyond normal levels are at a higher risk of developing blood clots, which in some cases can cause death. Your doctor will monitor your hemoglobin level closely with blood tests during treatment with Eprex (Erythropoietin-human).

If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately.

Cancer: Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy treatment of non-myeloid cancers. It is not used to treat anemia that is due to the cancer itself. If you have cancer and your hemoglobin is kept too high, your cancer may grow faster or you may have an increased risk of Heart Attack or stroke.  Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. 

Cardiovascular disease: Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) often affects blood pressure and can contribute to symptoms of heart disease. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease such as heart failure, Angina, or a previous heart attack, discuss with your doctor how Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eprex (Erythropoietin-human), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you are taking blood pressure pills to control blood pressure, it is important to continue taking them regularly while you are on epoetin alfa. Your doctor will monitor your hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen) until an appropriate dose of epoetin alfa has been determined.

Gout: Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) may cause symptoms of gout. If you have gout or a history of gout, discuss with your doctor how Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eprex (Erythropoietin-human), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney disease: Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) may be used by people with chronic kidney disease who are receiving dialysis and those who are not receiving dialysis. The dose may be different for each. Your doctor will monitor you closely for your response to the medication.

Medical conditions: Be sure to tell the doctor if you have any of the following medical problems, as they may affect how well Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) works:

• folic acid, iron, or vitamin B12 deficiency
• excess aluminum in the blood
• infection
• inflammation
• cancer
• bone problems
• blood diseases (e.g., Sickle Cell Anemia)

Porphyria: If you have a history of porphyrin metabolism disorder (a metabolic disorder), discuss with your doctor how Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eprex (Erythropoietin-human), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pure red cell aplasia: Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported among people treated with epoetin alfa. PRCA is a condition in which a person's bone marrow stops producing red blood cells, leading to severe anemia. People who develop PRCA may experience a new or worsening feeling of tiredness or shortness of breath. If you are experiencing such symptoms, call your doctor as soon as possible. Do not stop your medication without contacting your doctor first.

Seizure: Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) may contribute to an increase in seizures although the relationship between epoetin alfa and seizures is not clear. If you experience seizures or have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eprex (Erythropoietin-human), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stroke: Epoetin alfa can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the blood vessels. If you have a past history of stroke, discuss with your doctor how Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Eprex (Erythropoietin-human), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience signs and symptoms of a stroke, such as blurred vision, difficulty speaking, sudden headache, or loss of coordination, contact your doctor immediately.

Worsening of anemia: Severe and sudden tiredness and shortness of breath could be a sign of severe anemia. People who develop these symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy: Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Eprex (Erythropoietin-human), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if epoetin alfa passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Eprex (Erythropoietin-human), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Eprex (Erythropoietin-human) have not been established for children less than 1 month of age. Epoetin alfa has been shown to be safe for children over the age of 1 month who need dialysis to treat chronic renal failure.