What kind of drug is epoetin?
Epoetin alfa products are in a class of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). They work by causing the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones where blood is made) to make more red blood cells.
What is the therapeutic effect of epoetin?
Epoetin alfa works by signaling the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This medication is very similar to the natural substance in your body (erythropoietin) that prevents anemia.
What is the uses of erythropoietin?
Erythropoietin can be used to correct anemia by stimulating red blood cell production in the bone marrow in these conditions. The medication is known as epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit) or as darbepoietin alfa (Arnesp). It can be given as an injection intravenously (into a vein) or subcutaneously (under the skin).
What is the best time to inject epoetin?
Typically we give it when returning a dialysis patient, but most doctors say it is fine to inject EPO 20 to 25 minutes before dialysis patient termination by saying it is a protein.
Where do you inject epoetin?
Epogen can be injected directly into a layer of fat under your skin. This is called a subcutaneous injection. When giving subcutaneous injections, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about changing the site for each injection. You may wish to write down the site where you have injected.
How do you inject epoetin?
Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 100 units per kilogram (kg) injected into a vein or under the skin three times a week for 8 weeks. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
How long does it take for an injection of erythropoietin to work?
When epoetin begins to work, usually in about 6 weeks, most people start to feel better. Some people are able to be more active. However, epoetin only corrects anemia. It has no effect on kidney disease, cancer, or any other medical problem that needs regular medical attention.
What are the risks of erythropoietin?
This medicine may increase your risk of having serious heart and blood vessel problems, such as congestive heart failure, heart attacks, or stroke.