Epoetin alfa

Details of the Drug

Generic Name:: Epoetin alfa
Pronunciation:: eh-POH-e-tin AL-fa
Drug Type:: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)
How the Drug is Given:: Subcutaneous (SC) injection or intravenously (IV)
Names:: Epogen®; Procrit®; EPO; Epoetin alfa; Epoetin alfa-epbx*; Retacrit™ *

Indications and Usage

Epoetin alfa is indicated for

Treatment of anemia due to the effects of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy
Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery.

Epogen is not indicated for use:

In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy
In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure
In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy in whom the anemia can be managed by transfusion
In patients scheduled for surgery who are willing to donate autologous blood
In patients undergoing cardiac or vascular surgery
As a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia

Side effects needing medical attention

Nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, inflamed and sore mouth, cough, weight decrease, low white cell count, bone pain, rash, excess of glucose in the bloodstream (hyperglycemia), insomnia, headache, depression, difficulty swallowing, low blood potassium levels, and formation of a blood clot.

Epogen has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being.

*A biosimilar is a biological product that is highly similar to and has no clinically meaningful differences from an existing FDA-approved reference product. Click here for more information.

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