Description

Epogen is a synthetic form of human erythropoietin (EPO). It operates by encouraging the bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells, similar to the natural hormone EPO. Classified as an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA), this medication primarily treats anemia associated with chronic kidney failure and certain types of cancer chemotherapy. Epoetin alfa also helps to reduce the need for blood transfusions in these patients.

Directions

When using Epogen, it's important to follow instructions provided by a healthcare professional. Patients or their caregivers should only administer Epogen after they have been fully trained in the injection process. This medication is usually given as an injection either under the skin or into a vein, which healthcare providers may demonstrate initially. The standard dosage varies and is tailored to the patient's specific medical condition, body weight, and response to treatment. For those managing chronic renal failure, it may be administered three times weekly, whereas patients with HIV or those undergoing surgery have different dosing schedules.

Ingredients

Epogen contains the active ingredient Epoetin Alfa, a synthetic form of a naturally occurring human hormone known as erythropoietin. Inactive ingredients commonly found in Epogen include:

• Albumin (human)
• Sodium citrate
• Sodium chloride
• Citric acid
• Water for Injection

Contraindications

Avoid aking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with Epoetin Alfa or other erythropoietin proteins
• Known hypersensitivity to Epogen or any of its ingredients
• Use of the multiple-dose vials containing benzyl alcohol in neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women

Cautions

• Before beginning treatment with Epogen, it's important to notify your healthcare professional regarding:
• All other medicines you are currently using
• Any pre-existing medical conditions
• Known allergies you have
• Your pregnancy status or intentions to conceive
• If you are nursing a baby
• There's an increased risk of heart-related issues like heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots when using Epogen, especially if it raises your hemoglobin level above 11 g/dL. This higher hemoglobin target hasn't shown additional benefits and could be particularly risky for those with existing heart diseases or a history of strokes.
• For patients with cancer, using Epogen injections might lead to a higher risk of death or the cancer getting worse or coming back.
• If you have high blood pressure, it should be well controlled before you start Epogen and during treatment.
• Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who use Epogen have a higher risk of seizures. If you're at risk, you should be closely monitored for any changes in seizure frequency or warning signs.
• If you develop severe anemia and low reticulocyte counts while on Epogen, stop the medication and get checked for pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), a rare but serious condition.
• If you have a serious allergic reaction to Epogen, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention.
• In case of severe skin reactions, discontinuation of Epogen is advised.

Side Effects

Epogen is associated with various side effects. In patients with CKD, common effects include high blood pressure, muscle spasm, fever, and dizziness. HIV-infected patients on Zidovudine may experience fever, cough, and rash. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often report nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and bone pain. Surgery patients might encounter nausea, vomiting, headache, and blood clots.

Epogen carries significant risks, especially when targeting high hemoglobin levels in CKD patients, which can lead to severe heart problems and stroke. In cancer patients, it may shorten survival and increase tumor progression. Surgery patients have an elevated risk of deep venous thrombosis. It's important to use the lowest effective dose and seek immediate medical attention if serious side effects occur.

References:

1. Epogen (Epoetin-Alfa) Product Monograph. Thousand Oaks, CA: Amgen, Inc.; 2018.
2. Epogen (Epoetin-Alfa) Drug Label Information. Thousand Oaks, CA: Amgen, Inc.; 2018.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

Dr. Sison graduated with honors from the University of Florida. He began his career in pharmacy counseling patients in a community setting and later served in hospitals and clinics. He has also worked in medication therapy management services. Read More....

Product Code : 11526