What is the treatment for Eprex?
Treatment with EPREX is divided into two stages – correction and maintenance phase. In patients on haemodialysis where intravenous access is readily available, administration by the intravenous route is preferable. The starting dose is 50 IU/kg, 3 times per week.
How effective is Eprex for predeposit?
On average, patients treated with Eprex 600 IU/kg twice weekly for three weeks were able to predeposit significantly more units of blood (4.5 units) than placebo treated patients (3.0 units) (p < 0.001).
What are the side effects of Eprex?
Side Effects 1 Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea 2 Cough or congested airways such as stuffy nose and sore throat 3 Flu-like symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain and weakness. 4 Redness, burning and pain at the site EPREX is given. More ...
What is the maximum dose of Eprex?
EPREX should be administered to patients with symptomatic anaemia (e.g. haemoglobin concentration ≤10 g/dL (6.2 mmol/L)). The recommended starting dose is EPREX 450 IU/kg (maximum total dose is 40,000 IU) administered subcutaneously once every week, with not less than 5 days between doses.
How long is Epoetin Alfa 600?
Epoetin alfa 600 IU/kg (administered intravenously or subcutaneously once weekly) has been evaluated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 16-week study and in a randomised, controlled, open-label, 20-week study in anaemic paediatric patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy for the treatment of various childhood non-myeloid malignancies.
How often should I take epoetin alfa?
Epoetin alfa administered 3 times per week or once weekly has been shown to increase haemoglobin and decrease transfusion requirements after the first month of therapy in anaemic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
What is the target concentration of epoetin alfa?
Epoetin alfa has been studied in clinical trials in adult anaemic CRF patients, including haemodialysis and pre-dialysis patients, to treat anaemia and maintain haematocrit within a target concentration range of 30 to 36%.
What causes anemia with Eprex?
Other causes of anaemia (iron, folate or vitamin B 12 deficiency, aluminium intoxication, infection or inflammation, blood loss, haemolysis and bone marrow fibrosis of any origin) should be evaluated and treated prior to initiating therapy with Eprex, and when deciding to increase the dose.
What is the active ingredient in epex?
EPREX prefilled syringes contain the active ingredient epoetin alfa, a protein that stimulates bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of your body. A decrease in the number of red blood cells can cause anaemia.
How long can you keep epex in the refrigerator?
Do not freeze and protect from light. Immediately prior to use, EPREX may be stored in a room that stays below 25°C, for a maximum single period of seven days. Keep your medicine out of reach of children.
What is the mechanism of action of erythropoietin?
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the kidney in response to hypoxia and is the key regulator of red blood cell (RBC) production. EPO is involved in all phases of erythroid development, and has its principal effect at the level of erythroid precursors.
Is epex the same as erythropoietin?
EPREX is virtually identical to your body's erythropoietin, and has a similar effect to naturally occurring erythropoietin in your body. EPREX is used to treat the anaemia associated with kidney disease.
Does EPREX prefilled syringes contain all the information?
This leaflet answers some common questions about EPREX prefilled syringes. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have risks and benefits.
Is epex an addictive drug?
EPREX can be used as an alternative to a blood transfusion in adult patients about to undergo major orthopaedic (bone) surgery where there is a potentially high risk from blood transfusion complications. EPREX is not addictive. This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
How long does it take for epoetin to go away?
These symptoms usually go away within 12 hours.
How is epoetin injected?
Adults and teenagers—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Epoetin is injected into a vein or under the skin. How often you take this medicine must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose to determine the best dose for you.
How often can you inject epoetin alfa?
As an alternative, epoetin alfa may be injected subcutaneously once weekly as a dose of 40,000 units. When epoetin alfa is used in people scheduled for surgery, higher doses are used. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose according to your body's response to the medication.
Can you take iron supplements with epoetin alfa?
While you are being treated with epoetin alfa, your doctor may want you to take iron supplements to help the medication work as well as possible. Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.
Description
- Epoetin (eh-POH-ee-tin) is a man-made version of human erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is produced naturally in the body, mostly by the kidneys. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. If the body does not produce enough EPO, severe anemia can occur. This often occurs in people whose kidneys are not working properly. Epoetin is used to ...
Before Using This Medicine
- In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For epoetin, the following should be considered: Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to epoetin or to human albumin. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any oth…
Proper Use of This Medicine
- Epoetin is usually given by a health care professional after a dialysis treatment. However, medicines given by injection are sometimes used at home. If you will be using epoetin at home, your health care professional will teach you how the injections are to be given. You will also have a chance to practice giving them. Be certain that you understand exactly how the medicine is to …
Precautions While Using This Medicine
- Epoetin sometimes causes convulsions (seizures), especially during the first 90 days of treatment. During this time, it is best to avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or other activities that could cause a serious injury if a seizure occurs while you are performing them. People with severe anemia usually feel very tired and sick. When epoetin begins to work, usually …
Side Effects of This Medicine
- Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. More common—for patients being treated for anemia due to chronic kidney failure who require dialysis (in addition to those listed above) More common—for zidovudine-treated HIV-infected patients …
Additional Information
- For patients receiving epoetin who do not have anemia caused by kidney disease: 1. The information about the importance of keeping dialysis appointments and following a special diet for people with kidney problems does not apply to you. However, your doctor may have other special directions for you to follow. Be sure to follow these directions carefully, even if you feel …